Bililic revealed that he was one of the replacement candidates considered by West Ham after Porter was fired. Bilic played for West Ham from 1996 to 1997 and served as the team's head coach from 2015 to 2017.

Bililic revealed in an interview with talkSPORT: "There were indeed some opportunities. I was very close to success at the time, but I didn't get the job in the end. They ended up choosing Nuno, who is a top coach who has achieved great success at Wolves and Nottingham Forest."

"To be fair, in the first few games, they were also confused by the system. There were Some players are also out of position. In the last few games, he has fielded a strong team and has been successful, scoring 6 points in two games (wins against Newcastle and Burnley). He is a top coach and I think they will be fine this season."

Although he is disappointed not to return to West Ham, Bilic said he is eager to find a job in the Premier League or the Championship. Bilic has been out of work since leaving Saudi club Al-Hasa in August 2024, after briefly coaching Watford for five months.

When asked if he hoped to return to England to coach, Bilic said: "I mean, who wouldn't, you know? Of course, I am very much looking forward to returning to coaching, coaching a Premier League or Championship team, coaching a good club with ambitions to promote."

"I showed my ability Strength, I think I have proven myself in the Premier League and I have proven myself at West Brom. Of course, with my knowledge, experience and qualifications, I think I can lead the right club back to the Premier League."

Currently, West Ham is still ranked 18th in the Premier League, although they have won two games in a row recently. Next, they will challenge Bournemouth away from home after the international break, then face Liverpool at home, and face away games against Manchester United and Brighton.