Doug Collins’ original stint with the Chicago Bulls lasted all of three seasons and included the start of Michael Jordan’s eventually iconic career in the Windy City.
Now, 30 years after he was let go by the organization, Collins is leaving his ESPN broadcasting job to rejoin the Bulls as a senior advisor to John Paxson.
“In an out-of-the-blue announcement, the Bulls hired Doug Collins as senior adviser of basketball operations Tuesday morning. The former Bulls coach will report directly to Paxson,” K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported.
Collins has worked at ESPN since 2013, starting as an analyst on NBA Countdown for three seasons before ultimately being tasked with broadcasting duties.
It really is a shocking move for Collins, who was a highly respected basketball mind during his tenure with ESPN.
For their part, the Bulls confirmed the hire on Tuesday.
“We are pleased to have Doug return to the Bulls and have him join our front office. As our organization transitions into this next phase, we feel like Doug will bring valuable perspective with his vast knowledge of the NBA and the game of basketball,” Paxson said in a statement.
Interestingly enough, Paxson played under Collins for three seasons in Chicago. That obviously played a role in the hire.
Collins last coached in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2012-13. Following his tenure in Chicago, he also held head coaching jobs with the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards.