Boylen returns to NBA coaching ranks

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Former Utah basketball coach Jim Boylen officially returns to the coaching ranks today with the announcement that he is joining the Indiana Pacers' staff. Boylen, who was fired by the Utes' after two struggling seasons and was a candidate for an assistant position with the Lakers, is joining Frank Vogel's staff which includes Brian Shaw and Dan Burke. Boylen was with the Houston Rockets for 11 years so coaching at the NBA level is nothing new for him. Personally, I think the NBA might be a better fit for him than the college level. As much as Boylen said he loved the college game and teaching young players, his brisk demeanor and style of running his program seemed better suited to the pro level. It'll be interesting to see if he sticks with the pros for the long term or tries to get back into the college game at some point. Regardless, Boylen's hiring is good news for the Utes since the Utes' obligations of paying Boylen a $2 million buyout over three years cease with his hiring. The only thing the Utes will owe Boylen now is if there is any difference in compensation between his new salary and what he was making with the Utes.