After six seasons at the helm, Billy Donovan has stepped down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, bringing an end to his tenure in Chicago.
Despite the Bulls finishing the 2025–26 campaign with a disappointing 31–51 record, ownership made it clear they hoped Donovan would return for a seventh season. However, both sides ultimately agreed that a clean slate was best for the franchise moving forward.
“We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach — that was never in question,” said Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. “But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new Head of Basketball Operations the ability to build out his own 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. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organization.”
Donovan echoed that sentiment in his departure statement, emphasizing alignment with the organization’s long-term vision.
“After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls to allow the search process to unfold,” Donovan said. “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.”
He continued by expressing gratitude to ownership, players, staff, and fans, calling his time in Chicago a “blessing” and thanking Bulls supporters for their passion and energy.
A Mixed Tenure in Chicago
During his six seasons in the Windy City, Donovan compiled a 226–256 record, placing him fourth on the franchise’s all-time wins list. However, sustained success proved elusive.
The lone bright spot came during the 2021–22 season, when the Bulls finished 46–36 and earned a playoff berth, though their run ended in a 4–1 first-round exit at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Outside of that season — and a brief 56-day stretch in 2022 when Chicago held the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference — the Donovan era largely fell short of expectations.
Organizational Reset Underway
Donovan’s departure comes amid sweeping changes within the organization. Just two weeks ago, the Bulls parted ways with general manager Marc Eversley and executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas, ending a six-year run that failed to deliver consistent progress.
When the Bulls tip off the 2026–27 season, they will do so with a new head coach, general manager, and lead basketball executive — signaling a full organizational reset.
What’s Next for Donovan?
Donovan is unlikely to be out of work for long.
Before arriving in Chicago, he spent five successful seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, posting a 243–157 record and reaching the postseason each year.
He also boasts an elite collegiate résumé from his time at Florida Gators men’s basketball, where he captured six SEC titles, made four Final Four appearances, and won back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Given that track record, Donovan is expected to draw interest from both NBA franchises and top college programs. His name has already surfaced in past coaching searches, including discussions surrounding the North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball opening before the hiring of Michael Malone.
