CHICAGO (AP)-Doug Collins talked with the Chicago Bulls about returning to the team as coach, but said Thursday there is no agreement.

Known for his emotional style, Collins also coached the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards. The Bulls had been interested in Mike D'Antoni before he took the New York Knicks job.

``I have spoken with Bulls management recently about their head coaching vacancy and will resume conversations after the conclusion of my work for TNT in the Western Conference finals,'' Collins said in a statement from Los Angeles, where he was to work Game 5 of the Spurs-Lakers series. ``There is no agreement in place.''

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on its Web site Thursday that the job would go to Collins. The Chicago Tribune said Collins is expected to get the post.

Collins previously coached the Bulls from 1986-89 with a 137-109 record. He was replaced by Phil Jackson, who coached the Michael Jordan-led Bulls to six championships in the 1990s.

Chicago has had a vacancy since interim coach Jim Boylan was fired after the end of a disappointing 33-49 season. Boylan had replaced Scott Skiles, who was fired on Christmas Eve of last year.

Chicago has a nucleus of young talent and also won the recent draft lottery, giving the Bulls the No. 1 pick in next month's draft.

``I have been in contact with Doug Collins in regard to our head coaching position. Contrary to some reports that are currently out there, we have not reached an agreement,'' Bulls general manager John Paxson said in a statement posted on the team's Web site.

``Right now, his commitment is covering the Western Conference finals for TNT. When that series concludes, we will continue our dialogue. In the meantime, I will continue to talk to other candidates and review our options.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.