Chicago Bulls Rumors: Two head coaching candidates to replace Jim Boylen

Adrian Griffin, Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach

Former Bulls player? Check.

Part of the Thibodeau era? Check.

Part of a championship team? Check.

And that is only part of the story. Adrian Griffin has built several connections with former and current Bulls staff over the years and his candidacy will likely bring Chicago basketball fans back to a happy mental state.

While he wasn’t anything special as an undrafted NBA journeyman, Griffin shares a few connections in the Windy City. Maybe most importantly was that he was a teammate to Karnisovas at Seton Hall from 1992-1994.

Griffin had three separate stints with the Bulls, two as a player and one as a coach. His playing days with the 2004-2005 Baby Bulls gave former head coach Scott Skiles some veteran leadership to help mature his young team. He also played with Chicago during the 2006-2007 season.

His coaching experience started under Skiles in Milwaukee in 2008. He then came back to Chicago in 2010, this time under Tom Thibodeau.

After Thibs, Griffin had several different gigs with the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Since 2018, Griffin has served as part of Nick Nurse‘s staff on the Toronto Raptors and took part in their championship last season over the Golden State Warriors.

Griffin has been eyed as a future head coach for a while now, with his first ring as a coach only adding to his impressive resume. As weird as it sounds, the post-Jordan Bulls have been most successful when Griffin was around. Coincidence? Let’s hope not.