Chicago Bulls receive permission to interview coaching candidate

Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls receive permission to interview coaching candidate

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated May 27, 2026 4:11 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls coaching search is off and running. Just a few weeks after the team hired Bryson Graham to lead the front office, the team is deep into a coaching search to find the next man in charge in terms of coaching.

After a few of the candidates were identified already, the franchise requested interviews with candidates. That process has continued on as the interview process has begun. But now on Wednesday, we can add a new name to the coaching list.

And it’s someone who the Bulls are familiar with in terms of the NBA Central Division.

Chicago Bulls show interest in Johnnie Bryant

Oct 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) speaks to Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach JohnnieBryant during a time out in the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Bulls list is filled with assistant coaches who are looking to take the next steps in their career. With the Cleveland Cavaliers being eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, assistant coach Johnnie Bryant is getting interest for head coaching jobs. The latest comes from the Bulls.

Marc Spears reported on Wednesday that the Bulls have been granted permission to interview Johnnie Bryant:

“The Bulls have received permission to interview Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant for their head coach job, a source said. The former University of Utah guard has 12 years of NBA assistant coaching experience and has also been an associate head coach with the Knicks.”

The Bulls have received permission to interview Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant for their head coach job, a source said. The former University of Utah guard has 12 years of NBA assistant coaching experience and has also been an associate head coach with the Knicks.

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 27, 2026

Bryant has years of experience beginning with the Utah Jazz as a player development coach in 2012. He was promoted to an assistant role there just two years later. Eventually, Bryant left for New York where he spent time as the associate head coach with the Knicks until 2024.

He landed in Cleveland following that and has spent that time under Kenny Atkinson as an associate head coach. Most recently, Bryant was a finalist for the Phoenix Suns job.

For the Bulls, this is another name that’s added to a wide net that has been cast. There are several candidates that have been linked to the job. And it’s clear the Bulls are taking their time with each candidate.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: