NBA Coaching Carousel 2026: Bulls, Pelicans, Magic and Blazers Open Searches; Bucks Hire Jenkins
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Several NBA franchises have launched head-coaching searches ahead of the 2026-27 season, while Milwaukee has already filled its vacancy. The following rundown reflects the latest developments reported through 10:55 a.m. CT on May 14.
Active Searches
Chicago Bulls
Billy Donovan opted not to return after three seasons, deciding a rebuild warranted a new voice on the bench. Newly hired executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham will direct the search. To date, the only candidate linked to Chicago is Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney.
New Orleans Pelicans
Interim coach James Borrego, who replaced Willie Green during the season, remains under consideration after a 24-46 finish. The front office is also evaluating Bucks coaching associate Rajon Rondo, Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney, Pistons assistant Jarrett Jack and former Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. New Orleans is looking for a leader capable of meshing a talented but uneven roster.
Orlando Magic
Jamahl Mosley was dismissed less than a day after Orlando squandered a 3-1 first-round lead against top-seeded Detroit. The Magic, featuring no player older than 28 but carrying win-now expectations, have shown interest in former Bulls coach Billy Donovan, Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney, Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau and Michigan head coach Dusty May.
Portland Trail Blazers
Tiago Splitter guided Portland to its first postseason appearance in five years while serving as interim coach in the wake of Chauncey Billups’s October arrest on federal charges. Splitter is a candidate to stay, but reports suggest owner Tom Dundon plans an extensive search that could include up to 30 interviews. Known targets so far include Nuggets assistant Jared Dudley, Rockets assistants Ben Sullivan and Royal Ivey, Nets assistant Steve Hetzel, Lakers assistant Greg St. Jean, St. Louis University’s Josh Schertz and Iowa’s Ben McCollum. Questions also linger about how much Dundon is willing to pay the eventual hire.
Completed Searches
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks replaced Doc Rivers with former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, finalizing an agreement roughly 10 days after announcing Rivers’s departure. Jenkins reportedly received a six-year contract worth well above $10 million annually, lured by his reputation for player development, culture building and competitiveness. Darvin Ham, an assistant on Rivers’s staff, was also considered.
Source: Hoops Rumors
