Bulls Secure OK to Interview Cavaliers Assistant Johnnie Bryant
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The Chicago Bulls have received clearance to meet with Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Johnnie Bryant as they search for a new head coach, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype previously identified Bryant as a contender for the vacancy left by Billy Donovan.
Bryant, 39, started his NBA coaching career in 2012 as a player development coach with the Utah Jazz and was promoted to assistant coach two years later. He spent six seasons on Quin Snyder’s staff before moving to the New York Knicks, where he served as associate head coach from 2020 to 2024. In 2024 he joined the Cavaliers in the same role, reuniting with former Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell.
The longtime assistant has drawn head-coaching interest in recent years. He interviewed for Cleveland’s top job before the team hired Kenny Atkinson and was a finalist for the Phoenix Suns position last June that ultimately went to Jordan Ott.
New Bulls head of basketball operations Bryson Graham is reportedly considering several candidates. Along with Bryant, the list includes Sean Sweeney, James Borrego, Micah Nori, Dave Bliss, Wes Unseld Jr., Lamar Skeeter, Ryan Schmidt, Jerry Stackhouse, and Chris Quinn. Of those, only Borrego and Unseld have previous NBA head-coaching experience.
No timeline has been announced for Chicago’s decision.
Source: HoopsRumors
