Larry Johnson an assistant coach candidate/and Terry Porter

A familiar name has surfaced in the Bulls’ search for a new assistant coach. Larry Johnson, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, is interested in the job and visited the team recently.

Johnson has a history with new Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. Johnson played for the New York Knicks from 1996-2001, while Thibodeau was on the coaching staff working under Jeff Van Gundy. Since retiring in 2001, Johnson has not held any formal coaching jobs.

Another top candidate for the Bulls' spot is long-time NBA point guard Terry Porter. He’s been sitting at home since being fired as head coach of the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 16, 2009, less than a year into his tenure. Porter, a Milwaukee native, also served as head coach of the Bucks from 2003-05.

"(Johnson) was interested but, at this point, I don't think it's a possibility any longer," Thibodeau said.

Thibodeau also shed some light on Myers' departure.

"When I came in, I came in thinking that I would bring in an entirely new staff." he said. "John (Paxson) and Gar (Forman) had asked me to look at Pete. Pete's a terrific coach. I probably spoke too soon on it. After studying it more, I came back to what I originaly thought that it would be best to start fresh with a new staff."