Larry Johnson a Candidate for Bulls Coaching Job

Last week, it was reported Terry Porter was the front-runner to fill the assistant coach vacancy for head coach Tom Thibodeau. Now, another retired NBA star is emerging as a candidate.

According to the Daily Herald, former No. 1 draft pick Larry Johnson is being considered for the job.

Even though Johnson brings no coaching experience to the table, he has some familiarity with Thibodeau's coaching strategy. When Johnson played for the New York Knicks from 1996 to 2001, Tom Thibodeau served as an assistant coach under head coach Jeff Van Gundy.

In 1991, after graduating from UNLV, Larry Johnson was selected first overall by the Charlotte Hornets. In 1996, after five seasons in Charlotte, he was traded to New York, where he would spend the final five years of his career before retiring due to chronic back pain.

As a player, Johnson was known for his rough style and his role on the 1999 Eastern Conference Champion New York Knicks. He retired with an average 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game over his career.

While Johnson has no coaching experience, Terry Porter is a former head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns and was an assistant with two other teams.

As of now, it is not known whether Porter or Johnson is the favorite to replace longtime assistant Pete Myers, who will take another role with the organization. Both ex-players have yet to comment on the rumors.

In the end though, Tom Thibodeau has said a former NBA player will assume the position before the season begins.