As the Chicago Bulls take their time searching for a new head coach, a top candidate could soon come off the board.
Chicago’s conference rival, the Orlando Magic, have plenty of interest in the San Antonio Spurs assistant, Sean Sweeney.
According to The Stein Line, the Magic are becoming increasingly interested in adding Sweeney, and they likely had boots on the ground in Texas to take in the Western Conference Finals showdown between the Spurs and the OKC Thunder.
The Chicago Bulls Get A Threat In Orlando
If the Bulls want Sweeney to steer the ship for them after the Billy Donovan era, then they have to act quickly.
The good news is that Sweeney is currently part of a competitive series–so he probably won’t rush to any major future decisions until he gets some downtime.
However, the Magic could pounce as soon as Sweeney is ready to put pen to the paper.
The Bulls’ Other Targets
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 24: Interim head coach James Borrego of the New Orleans Pelicans calls a play during the second quarter of an NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Smoothie King Center on February 24, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
When it comes to the Bulls’ coaching job, Sweeney isn’t in a league of one. Several candidates have been linked to Chicago’s vacancy.
Miami Heat assistant Chris Quinn was one of the more recent targets. He has been a top assistant for Erik Spoesltra, who is one of the most respected coaches in the game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Assistant Dave Bliss is in the mix as well. He is coaching the defending champions, who could repeat in 2026.
Two other notable assistants are Micah Nori of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Johnnie Bryant of the Cleveland Cavaliers. New Orleans Pelicans’ former interim head coach James Borrego is still reportedly in the running.
Tiago Splitter, Jerry Stackhouse, and Wes Unseld Jr. were previously linked to the Bulls. However, The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer recently excluded their names from a list of candidates, which could be a telling sign about their standing for the job.
Billy Donovan Could Still Help The Bulls
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls reacts against the LA Clippers during the second half at the United Center on February 26, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The former head coach stepped down just one year after signing an extension to stay with the Bulls for several more seasons.
Donovan won’t help the Bulls for long, but maybe one final favor is in store. While the Magic are pursuing Sweeney, Donovan is still considered a candidate for the job. If he gets it, that allows the Bulls to continue pursuing the San Antonio coach.
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