The Chicago Bulls’ organizational reset has extended beyond the front office, and a new coaching candidate has surfaced as part of the ongoing search process.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype on Wednesday, April 29, Minnesota Timberwolves lead assistant Micah Nori is “a strong candidate for Chicago’s head coaching vacancy” if the franchise hires Matt Lloyd as its next executive.
The report comes as Chicago continues reshaping its leadership structure after dismissing executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on April 6 following a 29-49 season.
Scotto also reported that the Bulls recently interviewed Boston Celtics assistant general manager Dave Lewin, noting that “Lewin will now join Matt Lloyd, Graham, and Lindsey in advancing to the next stage of Chicago’s interview process.”
Lewin’s résumé includes a 14-year tenure in Boston, where the Celtics reached six Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals, including their 2024 championship.
While the executive search remains ongoing, the coaching situation has already shifted after Billy Donovan resigned on April 21.
Donovan stepped down after six seasons and a 226-256 record, including one playoff appearance in 2022, with both sides agreeing that new leadership should have full control over the next phase.
Ownership had expressed interest in retaining Donovan, but the decision ultimately aligned with a broader rebuild strategy.
Within that context, Nori has emerged as a logical coaching option tied to potential front office hires.
The Timberwolves assistant has been on Chris Finch’s staff since 2021 and has built a reputation as a defensive-minded coach with experience across multiple systems.
His coaching background includes stops with the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons, giving him exposure to varied roster constructions and schemes.
Nori’s experience aligns with a rebuilding team’s needs, particularly one lacking a clear franchise cornerstone and searching for identity on both ends of the floor.
Chicago finished 12th in the Eastern Conference standings and failed to reach the Play-In Tournament, highlighting issues with roster balance and consistency.
Nori’s track record suggests familiarity with player development systems and defensive schemes, both critical for a team entering a reset phase.
Scotto added that Nori “has interviewed for several NBA coaching jobs recently and is knocking on the door of becoming a head coach in the league.”
That momentum places him firmly in consideration as Chicago evaluates candidates who can grow with a retooled roster.
