Report: Bulls Dismiss Jen Swanson, Derrick Rose's Confidant
(CBS) The Bulls have dismissed director of sports performance Jen Swanson, the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson reported. Swanson is one of point guard Derrick Rose's confidants, having been hired by the Bulls in September 2013 after working closely with Rose on his ACL rehab.
Swanson oversaw the Bulls' athletic training and strength and conditioning departments. Rose has long maintained his decision to play on a nightly basis over the past two seasons as he suffered from an array of lingering injuries was his and his alone, but behind the scenes, Swanson was an influential voice who advised him.
Privately, former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau didn't fully embrace Swanson's power and role with the organization as his tenure in Chicago and relationship with management unraveled.
The Bulls have also parted ways with strength coach Nick Papendieck, and one of the trainers of Bulls wing Jimmy Butler is a front-runner to be a replacement, the Tribune reported.
The Bulls are coming off a disappointing 42-40 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
