New Bulls Rumors Reveal Tiago Splitter, Top Targets to Replace Billy Donovan as HC

The Chicago Bulls reportedly have a lengthy list of potential candidates to replace Billy Donovan as head coach.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Bulls are "likely to formally request to interview" Tiago Splitter, who served as Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach and remains under contract for next season while the Blazers are conducting their own head coaching search.

Other candidates for Chicago reportedly include San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney, incumbent Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Dave Bliss and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego.

Splitter took over as head coach of the Blazers just one game into the season after Chauncey Billups was placed on indefinite leave due to a federal gambling probe. He helped guide Portland to a 42-40 finish and its first playoff appearance in five years.

While Splitter would be a strong fit for a young Bulls team that is hoping for a similar turnaround, Fischer noted that it's "unclear" if the Blazers would grant them permission to interview him.

"After initial pessimism regarding Splitter's chances of becoming Billups' full-time replacement, there were whispers circulating Monday that it can no longer be ruled out," Fischer stated.

As for the other options on Chicago's list, league sources described Sweeney as "a prime candidate" for the opening, per Fischer. Sweeney, Bliss and Nori are reportedly "prominent among current NBA assistants in contention to become head coaches." Sweeney and Bliss are currently going up against one another in the Western Conference Finals.

Fischer added that Unseld, who previously served as head coach of the Washington Wizards, will get an interview. Borrego worked with new lead Bulls executive Bryson Graham during his time with the Pelicans and is expected to speak to him during Chicago's head coaching search.