After missing the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons, the Bulls have began the 2016-17 season with a wildly inconsistent 16-16 record.
That record has put second-year head coach Fred Hoiberg on the hot seat, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Stein reported on Friday that Hoiberg is "under earlier-than-expected pressure," according to league sources.
The Bulls had lost nine of 13 in December before home wins over the Pacers and Nets this week, although the narrow victories were hardly impressive considering the weak competition.
Stein reported that Hoiberg's biggest protection at this point is the gauranteed money the Bulls owe him the next three seasons.