Jason Burgos
After a fourth straight losing season, the inevitable happened, and Billy Donovan’s tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bulls came to an end when he officially “stepped down” from his position on Tuesday.
Heading into the week, it was still unclear if Donovan would follow general manager Marc Eversley and Executive Vice President Artūras Karnišovas out the door after they were dismissed by the Bulls earlier this month. There were even recent reports that the former Florida and Oklahoma City Thunder coach could get even more influence in the organization.
However, Donovan will end his run with a 226-256 record and just one playoff trip in six seasons. So who could the Chicago Bulls turn to as their next head coach? We offer up five possible options, including former head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Taylor Jenkins
Taylor Jenkins helped turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a consistent playoff contender in the Western Conference. However, his inability to manage Ja Morant and his on-and-off-court issues played a role in his stunning ouster late last season.
The 41-year-old absolutely deserves another shot as a head coach in the NBA and has shown he can develop talent. This is a necessary characteristic for the Bulls’ next coach. Jenkins would get some nice pieces to start in Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.
Tom Thibodeau
Rarely in the NBA do you see a coach return to a franchise after a breakup. But outside of a couple of good seasons from Scott Skiles early in the century, Tom Thibodeau is the only coach who has pushed the Bulls back into title contention since the Michael Jordan era.
Yes, his inability to get to the NBA Finals remains since he was fired by Chicago in 2015. But he showed with the New York Knicks that he still knows how to turn a program around and make them a consistent playoff contender. That is what the Bulls need right now. A sturdy, competent coach who has mastered turning teams into very competitive units year in and year out.
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell had a really nice 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assistant during multiple stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.
For several years, he’s been seen as an individual worthy of a head coaching job, and it is just a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him an opportunity. He should definitely be under consideration for Chicago.
Micah Nori
Another top assistant that has been linked to several head coaching jobs over the last couple of years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nori. He has been learning on NBA benches for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants around the game, there is no more ready and respected individual than Nori.
Chris Quinn
Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is a person who is sure to land a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture are one of the most respected in the game because of their competence. Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest acolytes and could bring what has worked for them over the last decade-plus to Chicago.
