Report: 76ers assistant Udoka front-runner to be Bulls' next head coach

Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Ime Udoka is the front-runner to become the Chicago Bulls' next head coach, sources told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago still employs Jim Boylen as its head coach, though new executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and new general manager Marc Eversley have received mixed feedback about Boylen from players, Cowley reports.

Udoka is in his first season with the 76ers after being hired in June 2019. Prior to that, he spent seven years as an assistant on Gregg Popovich's San Antonio Spurs staff.

The 42-year-old has been in the mix for a number of head coaching roles in recent years.

Udoka reportedly met with the Toronto Raptors in May 2018 when they were searching for a replacement for Dwane Casey. He also reportedly interviewed with the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets during that time.

He reportedly spoke with the Cleveland Cavaliers in May 2019 before the franchise settled on former longtime Michigan coach John Beilein.

Udoka played seven years in the NBA from 2003 to 2011. He made stops with the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Sacramento Kings, but spent the most time with the Spurs, playing three seasons for the organization.