DETROIT – Michael Curry will be the Detroit Pistons head coach next season after only one year as an assistant.

Curry is set be introduced as Detroit’s new coach at a news conference Tuesday, Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told The Associated Press.

Curry was an assistant last season in Detroit under for Flip Saunders, who was fired last week. The Pistons and Curry agreed on a three-year deal worth $2.5 million a season. The team holds an option for a fourth season.

Bulls offer coaching job to Vinny Del Negro

CHICAGO – Vinny Del Negro has been offered the Chicago Bulls head coaching job, according to a person within the league who is familiar with the situation.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because an announcement had not been made Monday.

An official announcement, which could come this week, would end a nearly two-month search that included courtships of Mike D’Antoni and Doug Collins.

Del Negro, the assistant general manager of the Phoenix Suns who has never been a head coach, would take over a team that went from 49 wins to 49 losses this past season and missed the playoffs after making the second round in 2007.

Suns introduce new coach Terry Porter

PHOENIX – It didn’t take Terry Porter long to understand the expectations facing him as he takes over the Phoenix Suns.

One of the first questions at Porter’s introductory news conference on Monday came from Phil Gordon, a Suns fan who also happens to be the mayor of Phoenix.

“Coach, are we going to have a world champion team this year?” Gordon asked.

As many in the US Airways Center practice court laughed, general manager Steve Kerr turned to Porter and said, “The chair’s hot already, isn’t it?”

Gordon’s question has dogged the Suns throughout their 40-year history. Though they have been among the NBA’s most successful franchises – the Suns’ .558 winning percentage ranks fourth in the league – the Suns have not won a title.

After failing to bring home a trophy with Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo style, the Suns hope the 45-year-old Porter will provide a new approach, combining a fastbreak offense with a stronger emphasis on defense.