Vinny Del Negro expected to meet with Clippers’ owner

As expected by many, Los Angeles Clippers head coach, Vinny Del Negro, may have days numbered in Los Angeles. Del Negro is expected to met with Clippers’ owner, Donald Sterling, in the next upcoming days.

According to Ken Berger of CBSSports, says Del Negro will speak to Sterling early next week.

"Vinny Del Negro is expected to meet with Donald Sterling in the coming days to discuss his precarious future as the Clippers‘ coach, league sources told CBSSports.com on Tuesday.Del Negro, whose contract expires at the end of June, could meet with the Clippers’ owner next Monday or Tuesday, though the meeting hasn’t been set yet, sources said."

While the Los Angeles Clippers had a tremendous regular season run, even going on a 17 game win streak, finishing the season with 56 wins and obtaining their first division title, the Clippers were unable to advance to the second round of the playoffs, getting eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies. The Clippers, up two games to none, lost to the Grizzlies who won four consecutive games winning the series.

During the playoffs, questions were raised whether Del Negro was unable to adjust his system and offensive sets. There were concerns whether he could utilize DeAndre Jordan and unlock his potential. As well there were concerns that Del Negro had tension with the front office and whether or not he can lead and handle a superb team, bringing them to the next level. To top it all off, there was talks whether Clippers superstar Chris Paul, a free agent this upcoming summer, would want Del Negro back.

If Chris Paul does decide to sign back with the Clippers as a free agent, it could ultimately decide the fate of Del Negro and whether or not he stays. After all, Del Negro’s contract expires on June 1.

If Del Negro is indeed fired, this won’t be the first time. When Del Negro coached the Chicago Bulls from 2008-2010, he led them to a consecutive record 41 wins and 41 losses during his two years. The first record was sufficient for a seventh seed in the eastern conference but they were eliminated by the Boston Celtics. The second time around, Del Negro obtained the eight seed but was eliminated by a Lebron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers team.

Del Negro’s job with the Bulls was terminated on May 2010 which later opened the door for the hiring of mastermind Tom Thibodeau who was named as coach of the year in 2011.