Story perspectives

NBA Coaching Carousel Hits Bulls, Mavericks, Magic, Blazers

5/28/2026

Summary

Bulls Interview Bryant

Chicago Bulls got permission to interview associate-head coach Johnnie Bryant, praised for developing Donovan Mitchell since Utah Jazz days.
Dallas Mavericks announced Jason Kidd left while Masai Ujiri began a search including Sean Sweeney, Frank Vogel, Jon Scheyer and Billy Donovan.
Orlando Magic fired Jamahl Mosley after five seasons, a move Derek Dumars called normal.
Jeff Van Gundy, Clippers assistant, is finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers coach job.

Summary

Mazzulla Wins

Joe Mazzulla won NBA Coach of the Year with 62 first-place votes out of 96 ballots.
At 37, Mazzulla became the youngest recipient since Phil Johnson in 1975.
J.B. Bickerstaff earned 29 first-place votes for second place while Mitch Johnson received nine for third.
The NBA said the award reflects only regular-season performance and is separate from the Coaches Association honor.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 Phil Johnson guided the Kansas City-Omaha Kings to a 44-38 season and earned the NBA Coach of the Year award, the first such honor since the trophy’s 1963 inception. The award’s legacy continues, as 2024 saw Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla win with a majority of votes, prompting teams like the Bulls and Mavericks to pursue new coaching talent.

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Bulls Interview Bryant

Chicago Bulls got permission to interview associate-head coach Johnnie Bryant, praised for developing Donovan Mitchell since Utah Jazz days.
Dallas Mavericks announced Jason Kidd left while Masai Ujiri began a search including Sean Sweeney, Frank Vogel, Jon Scheyer and Billy Donovan.
Orlando Magic fired Jamahl Mosley after five seasons, a move Derek Dumars called normal.
Jeff Van Gundy, Clippers assistant, is finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers coach job.

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