| | Associated Press
ST. FRANCIS, Wis. -- Milwaukee Bucks coach George Karl hopes
his team will decide within the next two days whether to let him
talk to North Carolina about pursuing his "dream job" as the
school's coach.
|  | | George Karl might jump at the chance to coach the Tar Heels. |
"I respect both sides," Karl told the Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel at the team's practice facility Sunday. "I hope that
Bucks fans understand ... this is a job I've had dreams of. But I
don't know if it's been offered, or the process or what's going
on."
Former North Carolina coach Dean Smith called the Bucks on
Friday and asked for permission to speak with Karl about the
opening created when Bill Guthridge resigned June 30.
Karl must have permission to discuss another job because his
contract does not include a buyout clause.
Bucks general manager Ernie Grunfeld did not immediately give
it. He said he has not had a chance to speak with Karl, who had
been in New Jersey at a basketball camp.
"There are a lot of factors on both sides," Grunfeld said.
"Obviously, George is a terrific coach and is important to the
organization."
Karl has led the Bucks to two consecutive playoff berths. Last
season, Milwaukee took Eastern Conference champion Indiana to five
games before losing in the first round.
The Bucks have been busy this offseason. Aside from already signing rookies Joel Pryzbilla and Jason Hart, Milwaukee acquired forwards Jason Caffey and Billy Owens from Golden State in a three-team deal also involving Cleveland.
The trade allowed the Bucks to deal
three bench players (Robert Traylor, J.R. Reid and Vinny Del Negro) in order to land Caffey, a 6-foot-8 power
forward who they hope can be the physical force they lack.
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