What next in the Bulls' search for a coach?

Let's review the progress of the Bulls' coaching search, which began April 17 and officially entered its eighth week Friday.

• The Bulls were ready to offer the job to former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni in May, but they were beaten to the punch by the New York Knicks. Even if it turns out to be the worst mistake D'Antoni ever made, he's still off the market.

• Doug Collins officially removed his name from consideration Friday, though evidence suggests the Bulls were not going to offer Collins the job. Let's face it, you don't line up the perfect candidate, then bring three other people to town for interviews, which the Bulls did this week. Chances are, Collins' self-removal announcement was simply a way to bow out gracefully after the team chose to go in a different direction.

Collins and Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf simply love each other too much to work together -- who is going to argue with that logic?

So the search continues.

At this point, the Bulls might as well wait until the Finals are over and add assistant coaches Tom Thibodeau, Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw to the mix. But sources say Bulls general manager John Paxson expects to hire a coach next week.

Here is a rundown of the remaining candidates, though keep in mind that Paxson likes surprises. During his first summer as GM, Paxson shared with the media three names he would interview for an assistant coaching position, then hired someone not on the list, Ron Adams.

Dwane Casey: The former Minnesota head coach may be the front-runner at this point, after making a strong second impression during his most recent interview.

Word is, Casey has worked very hard over the years on his people skills and, as a result, his rapport with young players is strong. With the No. 1 draft pick headed to town, that skill will be important.

Chuck Person: With "The Rifleman" nickname, Person didn't seem to be ideal coaching material during his playing days, but he has made a strong impression as an assistant in Indiana and Sacramento. He has had two interviews with Paxson.

Tyrone Corbin: This Utah assistant would be a Chicago sports fan's dream candidate -- he played at DePaul for Ray Meyer, then coached with Bulls legend Jerry Sloan.

Jeff Hornacek: Some people believe the former Lyons Township High School star will make a great coach someday. He has not yet been a full-time assistant anywhere.

Vinny Del Negro: A late addition to the candidate list, Del Negro spent the past year as an assistant to Suns general manager Steve Kerr. Before that, he was a broadcaster.

Mark Jackson: The long-time point guard interviewed with Paxson a long, long time ago. The Bulls are concerned about his lack of coaching experience.

Avery Johnson: He owns the NBA's all-time best winning percentage as a head coach and is still available. The Bulls are said to be concerned that he's too hard on his players.

Flip Saunders: There has been talk that the Bulls aren't interested, but why not? The former Pistons coach has been to the conference finals four times in the last five years.

Elston Turner: No one seems certain whether he has interviewed with the Bulls or not, but the Rockets assistant reportedly was a finalist for the Suns job. Phoenix general manager Steve Kerr, however, said he agreed to terms with Terry Porter to coach the Suns.

Jeff Van Gundy: If Collins can change his mind about coaching again next season, why not Van Gundy?

Mike Fratello: He has plenty of experience and is very available.

Scottie Pippen: Sure, he's a long shot, but the former Bulls star has as much coaching experience as Jackson and Del Negro. If he brings Horace Grant and Will Perdue as assistants, it's bound to work.