Bulls, Mavericks and Blazers Target 6 Top Coaching Candidates for 2026-27

4 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · May 29

Orlando's reported hiring of Sean Sweeney narrowed the NBA coaching market, leaving Chicago, Dallas and Portland as the main teams still searching for a 2026-27 head coach.
Chicago is weighing Miami associate head coach Chris Quinn and Cavaliers associate coach Johnnie Bryant after Billy Donovan stepped down following a 31-51 season.
Dallas is considering Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Tiago Splitter after parting with Jason Kidd on May 19, with Splitter tied to the Mavericks' new front office through GM Mike Schmitz.
Portland, despite its first playoff appearance since 2021 under interim coach Splitter, is looking at finalists Jeff Van Gundy and Jerry Stackhouse for a possible new direction.
The three searches now center on a mix of veteran assistants, former players and one 64-year-old ex-head coach as teams reshape leadership for next season.

Are NBA teams now favoring rising assistants over experienced former head coaches?

Is Chicago’s coaching search a formality before hiring front office favorite Micah Nori?

With a rumored $1M salary cap, can the Trail Blazers realistically land a veteran coach like Jeff Van Gundy?