Bulls general manager John Paxson plans to introduce Del Negro as the team's new coach at a Wednesday afternoon news conference, team spokesman Matt Yob said Tuesday.

The hiring was first reported by FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman.

His selection ends a drawn-out search in which the Bulls' high-profile courtships of Mike D'Antoni and Doug Collins collapsed.

Paxson did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment. Del Negro, whose voicemail box was full Tuesday, did not immediately return a page.

Del Negro, most recently the Phoenix Suns' assistant general manager, interviewed for the job last week and quickly moved to the top of the list after Collins and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf decided to pass on a reunion.

Del Negro had been interested in replacing D'Antoni on the Suns' sideline but did not make general manager Steve Kerr's list of four finalists. That job went to Terry Porter.

Instead of guiding a Western Conference power, Del Negro takes over one of the league's biggest disappointments this past season.

A sluggish start cost coach Scott Skiles his job in December, and interim coach Jim Boylan got fired April 17, but the Bulls' luck took a turn for the better when they won the draft lottery.

With the coaching situation resolved, they can turn their attention toward this month's No. 1 pick and deciding between Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley.

News » Bulls choose Del Negro as new coach 2008-06-10
Bulls choose Del Negro as new coach 2008-06-10
Vinny Del Negro has accepted his first head coaching job, agreeing to take over a Chicago Bulls team that went from 49 wins to 49 losses in a season and missed the playoffs after making the second round in 2007. Windy City woes Vinny Del Negro is the fourth full-time coach and seventh overall for the Bulls since Phil Jackson left. A look at how they've fared: