Report: Vinny Del Negro to Return as Coach of Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers were swept in the second round of the NBA Playoffs this season. The sweep would be a sign of concern for most teams, but given that the Clippers won a postseason series for just the second time in 37 years, the run was actual a welcome success.

The Clippers appear so pleased with the run that they've decided to pick up the option on the final year of head coach Vinny Del Negro's contract, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN. The move means that Del Negro will return to coach the Clippers in 2012-13, getting a third season on the bench in Los Angeles.

Del Negro, who spent two seasons as coach of the Chicago Bulls before taking the job in LA, has made the playoffs in three of his four seasons on the bench. This season, Del Negro helped lead the Clippers (40-26) to their best winning percentage (.606) in franchise history — including the team's time as the Buffalo Braves and San Diego Clippers.

The addition of Chris Paul in the offseason was a major addition for the Clippers, giving 2009 No. 1 overall pick Blake Griffin a running mate. The Clippers ultimately won eight more games this season than in 2011 (32-50), even though they played in 16 less contests than in the previous year.