Chicago Bulls Close to Naming Assistant Coach

During this offseason, the Chicago Bulls added Carlos Boozer and six other new players to their roster and announced longtime NBA assistant coach Tom Thibodeau as their new head coach.

However, with less than two months remaining before opening night, the Bulls have yet to name the final assistant coach who will join Thibodeau in his first campaign as skipper.

Longtime Chicago assistant Pete Myers stepped down from his post after reportedly accepting another position with the organization. Over the last two months, several names have been linked to the vacancy.

As I reported on Bleacher Report, former NBA forward Larry Johnson, who has no formal coaching experience, was among the rumored candidates. On Aug. 6, though, Thibodeau, conducting an interview with a Chicago radio station, eliminated the former New York Knick saying, "(Johnson) was interested but, at this point, I don't think it's a possibility any longer."

I also wrote about the potential hiring of former NBA player and head coach Terry Porter last month.

Porter, who once coached the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, has nearly 10 years of experience coaching in the NBA. Many outlets report Porter as being among the leading candidates for the job.

Last week, former Oklahoma Sooners and Indiana Hoosiers head coach Kelvin Sampson was speculated as the replacement for Myers. However, it is widely assumed Sampson will deny any offer, opting to continue his stint as an assistant to Scott Skiles with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Former Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings head coach Eric Musselman is the final known candidate for the job. Musselman, who has drawn criticism for his lackluster records as an NBA head coach, is also being vetted by the Boston Celtics and New Jersey Nets for the same role.

He has also previously assisted legendary head coach Chuck Daly and veteran NBA skippers Mike Fratello and Doc Rivers.

At this time, Musselman, Porter and Sampson appear to be the three finalists for the position. Considering Samspon's current employment with the Bucks and the high interest being directed towards Mussselman, former All-Star point guard Terry Porter seems to be the front-runner.

Chicago Bulls head coach Thibodeau is expected to announce his official decision in the coming days.