Overview
- The Bulls, which began in-person interviews Wednesday, have reportedly brought in Micah Nori, Tiago Splitter and Ryan Schmidt as top candidates for the job left vacant when Billy Donovan stepped down.
- Both Nori and Splitter are also listed as finalists for Portland’s head-coaching opening, creating direct competition and potential scheduling or permission hurdles for Chicago.
- The three finalists have different résumés: Nori is a longtime NBA assistant and current Timberwolves associate head coach, Splitter won praise for leading the Trail Blazers to the playoffs as interim coach, and Schmidt brings G League head-coaching experience plus recent work with the Hawks.
- Former Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. remains a possible internal candidate and is expected to be retained on staff if an outside hire is made, according to reporting.
- The interview push follows Donovan’s April 21 departure and comes as the Bulls emphasize player development for a roster with two top-20 draft picks, making the hire likely to influence the team’s short-term growth and staff construction.