Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson issued the following statement regarding the team?s decision to relieve Interim Head Coach Jim Boylan today:

?Letting a coach go is never easy. Jim was put in a difficult position on Dec. 27, without the luxury of having a training camp and with some of the issues that arose during his time as head coach. I think during the time he coached this year, Jim showed he is very capable in that role and I hope he gets that opportunity again in the future. He certainly has the tools it takes to succeed at this level. I want to thank Jim for accepting the challenge during a difficult year and I wish him all the best.?

Boylan, 52, took over the head coaching duties on an interim basis on Dec. 27, 2007, and directed the Bulls to a 24-32 (.429) record in his 56 games at the helm.