The Bulls have granted permission to the Hornets to interview associate head coach Jim Boylen for Charlotte’s head coaching vacancy, sources said.

Boylen, who has been Fred Hoiberg’s top assistant coach since 2015, has head coaching experience in college at Utah and also directed the Bulls to a victory over the Wizards on Easter Sunday when Hoiberg fell ill.

Boylen, 53, served on Rudy Tomjanovich’s staff in Houston when the Rockets won back-to-back NBA titles in the mid-90s. New Hornets president and general manager Mitch Kupchak is close with Tomjanovich, with whom he worked at the Lakers.

Boylen also has served on Gregg Popovich’s staff with the Spurs and arrived at the Bulls from that organization. With the Bulls, he has developed strong relationships with players ranging from Jimmy Butler to Lauri Markkanen.

The Hornets have interviewed several candidates since firing Steve Clifford after a five-season run last month.

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