New Bulls Rumors Update Timeline to Narrow Down HC Candidates in Search to Replace Billy Donovan

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly believed to be getting closer to making their decision on who will replace Billy Donovan as head coach.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Bulls are "expected to narrow down their list of candidates to a group of finalists by early next week at the latest."

Chicago's head coaching job became available in late April when Donovan stepped down from his position after six seasons with the organization.

Per Stein and Fischer, Bulls assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. is expected to be among the finalists to become the next head coach of the Bulls.

They also reported that Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori has "factored into" the Bulls' head coaching search.

The Bulls were reportedly "quite high" on San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney as well before he expected the Orlando Magic head coaching position.

Other names connected to the Bulls include Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter, Oklahoma City Thunder assistant Dave Bliss and former New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego, according to Fischer.

Also, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Bulls have been linked to Charlotte Hornets assistant Lamar Skeeter, and ESPN's Jamal Collier reported last week that the Bulls had "early conversations" with BYU head coach Kevin Young.

The Bulls seem to be in the midst of a rebuild as most of their most notable players are 25 or younger, including Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Rob Dillingham, Noa Essengue and Patrick Williams.

Chicago also holds the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, which could end up landing the organization North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson or Duke forward Cameron Boozer.

Whoever ends up with the Bulls head coaching job will be tasked with turning around a franchise that has made the playoffs only once in the past nine seasons after making it 11 times in the previous 13 campaigns.