The Chicago Bulls have received permission to interview Cleveland Cavaliers assistant head coach Johnnie Bryant for their head coaching vacancy. The move positions Bryant as a top contender in the Bulls’ search for a new leader after the team parted ways with Billy Donovan. Bryant has long been viewed as a rising coaching prospect, having served in multiple assistant roles over the past decade.
Bryant began his coaching career in 2012 as a player development coach with the Utah Jazz. He spent 12 years with the Jazz, rising to the role of assistant coach in 2024. During that time, the Jazz consistently ranked among the top defensive teams in the NBA, finishing in the top five in defensive rating in six of the past seven seasons. Bryant’s influence on player development and defensive schemes has been a key part of Utah’s success.
After his time in Utah, Bryant joined the New York Knicks as an assistant coach in 2022. He helped the Knicks return to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. New York finished with a 47-35 record and reached the first round of the playoffs. Bryant was part of a staff that helped Julius Randle average 23.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the regular season.
In 2024, Bryant joined the Cavaliers under head coach Kenny Atkinson as an assistant and was quickly promoted to associate head coach. Cleveland has won back-to-back NBA titles under Atkinson’s leadership, with Bryant playing a key role in player development and in-game adjustments. The Cavaliers have averaged 121.4 points per game this season while maintaining a top-10 defensive rating.
Bryant has been a finalist for several head coaching jobs in recent years but has yet to land a full-time gig. His experience as a coach, combined with his background as a former player, makes him a strong candidate for the Bulls. The team is coming off a 37-45 season and is looking to rebuild under new ownership.
The Bulls have until June 15 to hire a new head coach before free agency begins. Bryant is expected to be one of several candidates interviewed in the coming days. His background in player development and defensive systems aligns with the direction the Bulls want to take with their young roster.
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