Bulls Hire New Director Of Sports Performance, Add Performance Coach Focused On Mental Preparation

(CBS) As a roster revamping continues, the Bulls also have made official a smaller shakeup in the basketball operations department.

Chicago has officially hired Chip Schaefer as its director of sports performance. He replaces Jen Swanson, Derrick Rose's close confidante who was dismissed after this past season and whose influence had never been fully embraced by some in the organization.

Schaefer is a familiar face around these part, as he worked as the head athletic trainer for the Bulls from 1990-'98 and was a part of six championship teams. His role now will be to "implement and integrate a multi-disciplined staff that bridges the sports medicine and sports performance programs," the Bulls said in a press release.

Most recently, Schaefer worked the past three seasons as the director of sports science for the Kings. Prior to that, he had a long tenure with the Lakers.

"The health of our players is of paramount importance and we are constantly looking at ways to put our players in the best possible position to succeed," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said in a statement. "Upon the conclusion of last season, we felt we needed to reassess certain areas of our athletic performance department. After much thought and collaboration, with his years of experience and knowledge, we believe the addition of Chip Schaefer will elevate our staff to among the upper echelon in the NBA."

In another move, the Bulls hired Dr. Wendy Borlabi as their high performance coach. She'll work with the players on their "mental focus" and "mental preparation," according to the Bulls. Dr. Borlabi has worked at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in San Diego since 2009.

The Bulls also promoted Shaun Hickombottom to senior manager of player development and team services.