Report: Ex-Gregg Popovich assistant could replace Jim Boylen as Bulls coach

The Chicago Bulls could be going with a branch from the Gregg Popovich coaching tree if they decide to replace head coach Jim Boylen.

Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the Bulls are likely to take a look at Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Ime Udoka as a potential successor to Boylen. Mayberry lists Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin as another possible candidate as well.

The 42-year-old Udoka is an especially intriguing option. He played for Popovich in San Antonio for three seasons and then became an assistant on the legendary head coach’s staff for another seven seasons. Udoka now sits on the staff of Brett Brown, another former Spurs assistant under Popovich.

While there is no guarantee that the Bulls move on from Boylen, who has gone 39-84 (.317) in two seasons in charge, Mayberry also notes that Udoka worked with new Chicago general manager Marc Eversley in Philadelphia. Thus, he checks off many of the boxes (young, familiar, well-connected) that the Bulls would likely want out of a new head coach.