Chicago is expected to narrow its head-coaching search to a finalist group by early next week, with Wes Unseld Jr. emerging as a leading internal option after serving as one of Billy Donovan’s top assistants.
The Chicago Bulls’ coaching search is moving into its decisive stretch, and the names being floated are starting to feel closer to a choice that could reshape the franchise’s next chapter.
League sources have suggested the Bulls are expected to narrow their head-coaching search to a group of finalists by early next week at the latest. Among the interviewees already in the frame, one candidate stands out for familiarity: Bulls assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr.
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Unseld is expected to emerge as a finalist for the position previously held by Billy Donovan. Unseld served as one of Donovan’s top assistants and brings previous head coaching experience from his tenure with the Washington Wizards. That combination—history inside Chicago’s building and experience leading a team—could play a major role as the Bulls enter a new era under executive Bryson Graham.
The search isn’t being run in isolation, either. Stein and Fischer also noted that senior advisor John Paxson has remained involved in the interview process, continuing to serve as a trusted voice for ownership even after no longer leading basketball operations.
The finalist stage is expected to get even clearer next week. Brett Siegel, an NBA insider with ClutchPoints, indicated that Chicago’s finalist list is expected to be finalized next week. In his report. Sean Sweeney was listed as the top name alongside Chris Quinn before Sweeney accepted the head coaching job with the Orlando Magic after Jamahl Mosley was dismissed. Mosley later became head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Sweeney’s departure tightened the field quickly. As Chicago approaches the finalist phase, Sweeney is no longer in play, while Quinn and Wolves assistant Micah Nori remain candidates, along with Bulls assistant Wes Unseld Jr.
Other names have also been tied to the search, including Chris Quinn of the Miami Heat, Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dave Bliss of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the end. Unseld’s position in the process reflects the Bulls’ need for both steadiness and direction—especially with Donovan’s seat open and a new leadership era beginning. With the Bulls expected to narrow to finalists by early next week at the latest. the question becomes less who is being interviewed and more who can be trusted to lead immediately once the decision door opens.
Chicago Bulls Billy Donovan Wes Unseld Jr. coaching search John Paxson Bryson Graham Sean Sweeney Chris Quinn Micah Nori Dave Bliss Tiago Splitter
So they’re really just gonna promote the assistant again like that solves everything? Bulls gonna Bull I guess.
Wait, John Paxson is still involved? Thought he was gone, lol. If they keep Paxson in the mix then it’s basically “same guys different year” and that’s not inspiring.
I don’t get why people keep saying Unseld Jr. is “internal” like it’s automatically better. Didn’t he fail in Washington or whatever? Also Bryson Graham sounds made up, like a fantasy coach name.
All these names just make it confusing. Sean Sweeney was ‘top’ and then suddenly he’s with Orlando, so now it’s Quinn and Micah Nori and Dave Bliss and Tiago Splitter?? Like when are they gonna actually pick someone and stop listing assistants like a fantasy draft. If Unseld becomes finalist that means Donovan’s seat is basically getting filled by the same system, right?