As the Chicago Bulls gear up for a head coach search, one of their former employees is looking for another landing spot as a gap year concludes.
Tom Thibodeau was more of a consultant throughout the 2025-2026 season, but was expected to become a top head coaching candidate during the 2026 offseason.
The Bulls are one of the few teams in the NBA looking for a new leader, and word is getting out that Thibodeau would be interested in a reunion.
The Latest on Tom Thibodeau’s Chicago Interest
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Head coach Tom Thibodeau or the New York Knicks reacts in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 21, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 99-95. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
“Tom Thibodeau is also very interested in a comeback,” writes The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
“The 68-year-old was fired from his Knicks post last summer but is looking for the right fit for his coaching future again. And yes, league sources say, that includes the prospect of a Bulls reunion if the Reinsdorfs and new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham, who was hired away from the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, had interest.”
Thibodeau, a longtime NBA coach, was cut loose by the New York Knicks last year after coaching them to an Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks’ decision to move on was considered a shocking one.
The Bulls dealt with a bit of a shock themselves. One season after extending Billy Donovan, the head coach stepped down, despite denying job offers from the college level. Now that the Bulls are building up a new front office, it’s time for them to find Donovan’s replacement.
It’s unclear if the interest in Thibodeau is mutual.
Does Thibodeau Make Sense For Chicago?
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 25: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Perhaps the Bulls hold sentimental value for the 68-year-old head coach. After all, Chicago was the first opportunity Thibodeau had to become a head coach in the NBA.
Thibodeau started with the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant in 1989. He held assistant positions with the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and the Boston Celtics.
After five seasons with the Bulls, Thibodeau coached with the Minnesota Timberwolves for three years. His final five years before the break were spent with the Knicks.
Being a longtime coach–a three-time head coach with a decade of playoff experience–it’s hard to imagine that Thibodeau is the right fit for a rebuild. Part of the reason why Donovan no longer made sense was due to the fact that the Bulls simply aren’t competitive at the moment.
Thibodeau returning to Chicago in this state would likely be due to the fact that he doesn’t have other options on the table. The Orlando Magic, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Portland Trail Blazers are all on the hunt. Thibodeau could get consideration from some over time.