One of the NBA’s most respected coaches is moving on. Billy Donovan has stepped down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons — a decision that marks the end of a significant chapter for a franchise still searching for its next great era.
The Bulls confirmed Donovan’s departure on Tuesday, expressing their respect for his choice while making clear that the organisation had wanted him to stay.
How It Happened
Donovan held a contractual option for next season — and after a week of extensive meetings with Bulls ownership, he elected to exercise that option in a way that allowed the organisation to move forward with a clean slate rather than re-signing him.
The timing is significant. The Bulls fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on April 6, ending a six-year front office partnership that produced just one playoff appearance. With new basketball operations leadership now being brought in, Donovan made the decision that it was better for everyone — the franchise, the incoming decision-maker, and himself — to allow that person to build their own coaching staff from scratch.
“After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organisation, I have decided to step away as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold,” Donovan said in a statement. “I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit.”
Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf was generous in his response, emphasising that Donovan’s departure was not for lack of desire on the organisation’s part. “We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach — that was never in question,” Reinsdorf said. “But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new Head of Basketball Operations the right to build out his staff was the most important thing for the future of this franchise. That is the kind of person Billy is — he put the Bulls first.”
Six Years in Chicago — A Mixed Record
Donovan’s tenure in Chicago was defined more by stability than by success. The Bulls went 226-256 under his leadership and missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season this year — a difficult stretch for a franchise with such a storied history.
It is a record that invites scrutiny, but also context. Donovan inherited a roster in transition and navigated multiple rebuilding cycles with limited resources and a revolving cast of front office priorities. Throughout it all, his professionalism and competitive drive were rarely in question.
He was offered the chance to remain with the organisation in a different capacity — even a managerial role if he wished — but chose instead to leave the door open for whatever comes next in his coaching career.
A Hall of Fame Career That Is Far From Over
Billy Donovan, 60, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025 — a recognition of a coaching career that spans over three decades at the highest levels of the sport.
Before arriving in Chicago, he spent five seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, compiling a 243-157 record and making the playoffs every single year. His college coaching pedigree at the University of Florida — where he won back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007 — remains one of the defining achievements of his career.
Donovan drew significant interest from other organisations even while under contract with the Bulls. The New York Knicks came calling last offseason. The University of North Carolina expressed interest during this past season. He remained committed to honouring his contract each time — a reflection of the integrity that has defined his professional reputation.
Sources indicate he plans to continue coaching and is expected to be one of the most sought-after names available in the NBA this offseason.
The Bulls Begin Their Search
With Donovan’s departure confirmed, the Bulls are now conducting simultaneous searches for both a new head of basketball operations and, eventually, a new head coach.
The organisation has already received permission to interview several high-profile candidates for the basketball operations role, including Minnesota Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey, and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep. CAA basketball division co-head Austin Brown is also expected to be considered.
The Bulls are aiming to have their new basketball operations leader in place just before or just after the mid-May draft combine — meaning the franchise’s next chapter could be taking clear shape within weeks.
A Grateful Farewell
Despite the challenges of his tenure, Donovan’s final words to the city and the organisation were warm and sincere.
“My gratitude for this community and this organisation is permanent,” he said. “Thank you to Bulls fans — your energy, passion and unwavering support provided a home-court advantage that is generally unmatched around the league.”
It is the farewell of a man who gave everything he had — and who leaves with his head held high.
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