Clippers update: Vinny Del Negro new coach

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Call it a repeat of 2008. The Clippers, following the path of the Chicago Bulls, hired Vinny Del Negro, selecting him over finalist Dwane Casey, according to Del Negro’s agent Lon Rosen.

They made the decision Tuesday night after bringing the two coaching candidates back earlier in the day for another series of interviews. Casey had been the clear front-runner during the process, but Del Negro closed the sizable gap with an impressive presentation late last month, meeting with the Clippers front office and owner Donald Sterling.

An agreement with Del Negro has been reached in principle but not finalized.

And the plan for now is to hold a news conference Thursday. Casey and Del Negro had been finalists for the Bulls job, which Del Negro got. The Bulls made the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round in both of his seasons.

-- Lisa Dillman