Boylan walks away 'with head high'

Fired Bulls coach Jim Boylan left the Berto Center without comment Thursday, but he did share some thoughts in a phone interview hours later.

"I wish I could have continued on and started fresh with a new spirit next season," Boylan said. "I walk away with my head high and will wait to see whatever my next adventure will be."

Boylan served as a Bulls assistant for 3½ years before moving into Scott Skiles' seat and figures to return to his former role if Skiles gets an NBA head-coaching job this summer. Skiles is rumored to be a top candidate to replace Larry Krystkowiak in Milwaukee but will most likely pass on coaching the New York Knicks if that job becomes available.

Asked if would like to coach with Skiles again, Boylan said, "Scott and I, we made a good team, made some things happen in Chicago. The coaching tree has a lot of branches. We'll see what opportunities come up. Maybe I'll get another shot at being a head coach. I'm definitely going to continue my coaching career."

Bulls general manager John Paxson said assistant coaches Ron Adams and Pete Myers will have roles in the organization in some capacity next season. The new coach will no doubt be given a choice of whether to keep Adams and Myers on the bench.

There was no mention of assistants Mike Wilhelm and Mike Brown. Wilhelm is under contract for next season and is well regarded around the league as an advance scout. Brown was brought in at midseason to work with the young big men. His star pupil, rookie center Aaron Gray, made Brown look good by piling up 19 points and 22 rebounds in Wednesday's 107-97 victory over Toronto.

Paxson also had this to say about Boylan: "Jim was very professional. He did a very good job, given what I gave him in terms of some of the issues and the things he had to deal with. I'm hopeful that he'll get another opportunity to be a head coach somewhere."

Paxson will conduct exit interviews with the players this morning at the Berto Center.