Bryson Graham has narrowed the Bulls head coaching search to four finalists while maintaining a rigid schedule that calls for a hire by next week. The candidates are Micah Nori, Tiago Splitter, Ryan Schmidt and Wes Unseld Jr. Graham, hired May 4 as executive vice president of basketball operations, has conducted in-person interviews at the Advocate Center and phone sessions that began weeks earlier. The process aligns with his preference for methodical pacing ahead of the June 23 draft.

The Bulls finished 31-51 last season and hold the No. 4 and No. 15 picks in the 2026 draft. Graham and staff have run workouts for prospects including Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr. and Ebuka Okorie, with the second first-round selection the primary focus. Graham possesses multiple second-round assets that could facilitate a small trade-up if a targeted player slides.

The deliberate approach suits a roster that needs a coach capable of installing structure without overhauling an already young core. Nori’s defensive schemes with Minnesota and Splitter’s interim experience in Portland emphasize connectivity and physicality, traits that would complement the athleticism already on the floor. Unseld Jr. offers continuity as the internal candidate, while Schmidt brings familiarity from Graham’s time with the Hawks.

Graham’s comfort with Schmidt stems from their shared Atlanta background and knowledge of Quin Snyder’s staff operations. The broader front-office reset, including new additions in player personnel, positions the Bulls to break from four straight playoff misses. Rivals have watched similar methodical searches yield stable hires elsewhere in the East.

A decision on the coach should arrive before June 17, clearing the path for draft preparations at both No. 4 and No. 15. Any move up a spot or two would draw from Graham’s reserve of second-round picks. The new coach then faces immediate input on roster construction with significant cap flexibility available.

Graham’s refusal to accelerate beyond his own benchmarks signals a front office intent on avoiding rushed fits that have hampered Chicago in recent cycles.