With Sean Sweeney Out, One Name Is Considered Front Runner For The Chicago Bulls Job

The Chicago Bulls have been steadily progressing in their search for a head coach. They compiled a solid list of candidates from several different teams. However, from the outset, it was reported that San Antonio Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney was the early favorite. That is no surprise as his team now sits one game from the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, another team proved faster on the draw. According to Sham Charania of ESPN, the Orlando Magic reached an agreement with Sweeney on a deal to make him their new head coach, pending the conclusion of the Spurs’ season.

This isn’t entirely a surprise. Sweeney was a hot commodity that several teams were interested in. He likely had his choice of destinations. Orlando is a playoff contender with a core that is capable of competing in the East. The Bulls are a rebuilding team. It wasn’t a difficult choice. That said, Chicago now faces a tough question. Who is the favorite with Sweeney out of the picture? Brett Siegel of Clutch Points has a fairly good idea of the answer to that question.

Chris Quinn may now be the Chicago Bulls’ guy.

Early indications from Chicago point in the direction of Sweeney and Quinn being the franchise’s front runners for the head coaching role.

Both lead assistants have been known for their player development skills through the years, and both have been frequently mentioned as the next in line to become first-time head coaches around the league. Quinn has been with the Miami Heat, working under Erik Spoelstra since 2014, and he’s been instrumental in the organization’s success…

…Sources say the Bulls will advance to the next stages of interviews and their hiring process next week, with the intention of putting together a firm list of finalists. Word from Chicago is that the Bulls would like to lock in their next head coach by the second week of June.

The Chicago Bulls’ interest in Quinn makes sense.

He’s been an assistant under Erik Spoelstra, one of the best coaches in the NBA, for over a decade with the Miami Heat. Players say Quinn carries himself and communicates in much the same way, instilling discipline and holding guys accountable. His greatest strength might be player development, having done a terrific job helping Miami draft and develop multiple All-Stars during their two most recent Finals runs. If anybody is qualified to handle the difficult job of a rebuild, it would be him.

The Bulls certainly would set him up with some nice building blocks. They already have Matas Buzelis to work with. On June 23rd, they will add two more 1st round picks to the mix, including the 4th overall selection. If Quinn is as capable as many say, he could have this team back in the Eastern Conference mix within the next two or three years. Much depends on how he handles the interview process and if somebody else makes a better impression. The decision will be made by VP Bryson Graham.

Don’t expect the Bulls to rush this decision.

While losing out on Sweeney is unfortunate, the team seems intent on letting the process play out. They won’t cut corners just because one of their top candidates went elsewhere. That isn’t a smart way to conduct a search. Stay on schedule. It isn’t about choosing the “best” candidate. They must choose the right one. Maybe that is Quinn. Maybe not. Graham must do his homework and make an informed decision. If the timetable is correct, a resolution should be expected within the next two weeks.

Also, keep in mind this hire will be tied to what the Chicago Bulls have planned for that 4th overall pick. Whoever that player is will have the weight of the franchise on his shoulders, hoping to become a franchise fixture moving forward. The team will need someone with the tools to develop him. Quinn does have a pretty good track record with bigs, as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro can attest. If Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson are the pick, then it makes even more sense.