Tim Floyd back on the Hornets bench

Former Bulls coach Tim Floyd is back in the NBA, as an assistant coach with the New Orleans Hornets.

Last seen on the Internet breaking up a fight between several women at a California casino, Floyd will assist Jeff Bower, who moved from general manager to head coach after Byron Scott was fired early Wednesday.

Bower was an assistant during Floyd’s one season as Hornets head coach in 2003-04.
When he worked in Chicago, Floyd was often the subject of derision. Word leaked of general manager Jerry Krause’s interest in Floyd while Phil Jackson was still winning championships.

Floyd finally left Iowa State to become head coach of the Bulls in time for the lockout-shortened 1999 season. In three-plus years with the Bulls, Floyd posted a .205 winning percentage (49-190). But really, what was he supposed to do after the dynasty was disassembled and the Bulls failed to land any of their top free agent targets in 2000?

These days, Bulls fans owe some gratitude to Floyd for the job he did coaching Taj Gibson in college at USC. The rookie power forward, chosen No. 26 in the draft, has been the most pleasant surprise of Bulls season so far. Gibson is averaging 8.3 points and is well-versed on defensive principles.

Floyd was let go at USC after last season.

Scott spent five seasons as coach of the Hornets and was named NBA coach of the year in 2007-08. New Orleans is off to a 3-6 start this season.

--The Bulls did not practice Thursday after tough losses on back-to-back nights. They will return to the Berto Center on Friday, then host the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center on Saturday. This is the last home date before the six-game circus road trip.