In Times of Strife, Turn to Vinny Del Negro

Someday, a book will be written about the Great Chicago Coaching Search of 2008. A gentle reminder of the men John Paxson has either interviewed or been reported to have talked to so far:

Brian Shaw, Kurt Rambis, Tyrone Corbin, Dwane Casey, Jeff Hornacek, Chuck Person, John Lucas, Eric Snow, Avery Johnson, Mike D'Antoni, Mark Jackson, Michael Curry, Doug Collins, Rick Carlisle, and ... Vinny Del Negro.

And guess who is the front-runner, according to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson? It's Del Negro, the guy on this list who has never been so much as an assistant coach in the NBA. Del Negro currently works as an assistant GM in the Suns organization, and reportedly works on shooting with the players.

Johnson places Del Negro, Casey and Person as the three finalists, and said the three have been told a decision is "imminent." Of course, the filling of the job seemed imminent back in April, when Carlisle seemed the clear-cut favorite before signing with Dallas, then again in early May, when D'Antoni seemed like a lock, then again last week when multiple media outlets reported Collins was a done deal. So, really, who freaking knows? Maybe Drew Gooden's beard will run the summer league team.