Overview
- The Bulls received permission Wednesday to speak with Cleveland associate head coach Johnnie Bryant for their vacant head coaching job, sources reported.
- Bryant, a 12‑year NBA assistant who joined the Cavaliers in 2024, is known for player development and for his close work with All‑Star Donovan Mitchell.
- Chicago’s search is being led by new head of basketball operations Bryson Graham and focuses on lead assistants and first‑time head coaches who can develop young talent.
- Cleveland appears set to retain Kenny Atkinson as head coach, which reduces Chicago’s access to Atkinson and helps explain why the Bulls pursued Bryant.
- If Bryant interviews well and is hired, Chicago could pair a development‑focused coach with its No. 4 draft pick and the existing core while Cleveland would face the prospect of replacing a key mentor to Mitchell.