Jim Boylan to coach Bucks in interim following Scott Skiles firing

With Scott Skiles out as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Jim Boylan will take over as the interim head coach, although it isn't clear how long the team plans on keeping the longtime Skiles assistant in charge.

Boylan's only previous head coaching experience came in the 2007-2008 season, under almost identical circumstances. Skiles was fired as head coach of the Chicago Bulls following a dismal 9-16 start, and Boylan, then Skiles' top assistant with Chicago, was promoted to the interim job. The team's record improved slightly, going 24-32 under Boylan, but it wasn't enough to make the playoffs. He then followed Skiles by taking the job as an assistant in Milwaukee, where he has been ever since.

The team likely won't change significantly under Boylan: he's spent over half his career since entering the league as a video coordinator in 1992 under Skiles, working almost exclusively under him since Skiles took over as head of the Phoenix Suns in 1999.

The team likely won't keep on Boylan as a full-time head coach: with general manager John Hammond in his last year under contract, Brandon Jennings becoming a restricted free agent after this year, and Monta Ellis with an opt-out clause, management has several issues to consider about the future of the club. But for now, they have to decide how long to stick with Boylan in the short term: the team is 16-16 after a four-game skid that seemingly caused Skiles' ouster, which leaves them in strong position to make the playoffs with an average or better finish.