Over two weeks after the Chicago Bulls were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James himself was ousted from the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, causing the gentle hum about James’ free agency to turn into a thundering roar. It is the hope of Chicago fans across the nation that James’ desire to be the next Michael Jordan – and Bulls’ huge salary-cap –  will push him towards signing with the Bulls, who have yet to replace coach Vinny Del Negro.

Video: Will LeBron Leave Cleveland?

“James has six weeks and some procedures to go through before he can issue the decision. He also has said that he likely will wait until July 1, when NBA free agency officially begins,”according to Cleveland.com.

1. 
   K2BOYZ If the Bulls make John Calipari their new head coach then LeBron James will be a Chicago Bull next year TRUST ME! 14 May 2010 from Twitter for BlackBerry®
2. 
   13reeze ,,RT @cmurderabc1 at the end of the day its about who can take lebron the farthest in the nba right now and the bulls is the best choice 16 May 2010 from twidroid

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Although there are talks of James heading to New York, Las Vegas odds have him in Chicago, according Sun-Times columnist Rick Tealander.

“LeBron James is coming to Chicago. I might be wrong about this, but I think he will be a Chicago Bull, and I think the only thing to be worked out now is who the Bulls’ sycophant — excuse me, head coach — will be,” wrote Tealander.

Frank won three playoff series while coaching in New Jersey and became head coach at age 33, after working as the student manager at Indiana University. According to the Daily Herald, his game strategy is something of interest to the Bulls, although Frank was fired after he coached the Nets to a 0-18 start last season. Reports are out that Frank interviewed last Tuesday with the New Orleans Hornets.

Cheeks coached in Portland and Philadelphia, but went 0-4 in playoff series. The native Chicagoan played in four NBA All-Star games and “would be an interesting mentor to Derrick Rose,” according to the Daily Herald.

McHale, who went 53-69 as general manager of the Timberwolves from 2005-2007, lacks the experience needed by the Bulls. Casey has assisted in Dallas for the past two years and is also being considered for the New Orleans job.

ESPNChicago printed a list of 15 potential coaches, including former Bulls coaches Phil Jackson and Doug Collins. The list also includes John Calipari, head coach at University of Kentucky. However, he has since released a statement on Twitter saying, “I want to address this with the Big Blue Nation one last time, I will be coaching at Kentucky next year. Now let’s finish what we started!”

1. 
   UKCoachCalipari I want to address this with the Big Blue Nation one last time, I will be coaching at Kentucky next year. Now let’s finish what we started! 14 May 2010 from TweetDeck

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Jeff Van Gundy was also listed, but has no plans to coach this season, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Interviews will likely begin this week, although the Bulls don’t plan to have a deal completed until free agency begins on July 1.