Before the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as Hammers head coach, there was much speculation over who would replace Potter, who failed to impress after a dire start to the season.
Bilic, 57, managed the Hammer’s between 2015-2017 and played 48 games for the club between 1996-97. The Croatian was tipped to return to the side, but not many believed the rumours.
However, speaking to talkSPORT, Bilic has revealed that he was close to taking the job before Nuno swooped in and put pen to paper.
"There was a bit, yeah, there was a bit (of truth to rumours).
"I was close or whatever, but I didn't get the job. They got Nuno, who was a top manager and who'd done a great job at Wolves, not to mention Forest.
"And to be fair, after the first couple of games that they were struggling also with the system and there were some players who were out of position.
"(In the) last couple of games, he put out a strong team and it clicked and six points in two games (wins against Newcastle and Burnley).
"He (Nuno) is a top manager and I think they're gonna be okay this season."
Last week, West Ham recorded back-to-back wins in the league for the first time since February and look to be on a slight resurgence under Nuno has got the side ticking again. Meanwhile, Bilic has been out of a job since August 2024 following his exit at Saudi Arabian club Al Fateh as he looks for a new opportunity.