As expected, it appears the Bulls are moving closer to naming Fred Hoiberg the 22nd head coach in franchise history.
According to a report from ESPN's Andy Katz and Nick Friedell, who cite multiple league sources, the Bulls and Hoiberg are negotiating a five-year deal that is expected to be completed by the middle of next week.
It matches what CSN Bulls Insider Vincent Goodwill reported earlier this week, that the 42-year-old Hoiberg was the leading candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was fired on Thursday after five seasons in Chicago.
[MORE: Could Fred Hoiberg become next Steve Kerr?]
Hoiberg has been with his alma mater, Iowa State, since 2010. He has compiled a 115-56 record in five seasons, earning four NCAA Tournament berths and back-to-back Big 12 Tournament championships in 2014 and 2015.
Hoiberg's name has been linked to the Bulls for quite some time, and it appears to be a mere formality that he will be named the head coach sooner than later.