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After six seasons as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, Billy Donovan has decided to step away from his role, the team announced Tuesday.
The Bulls, who fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley two weeks ago, wanted Donovan back in the fold. But Donovan held an option on his contract for next season and opted out, according to ESPN.
“After a series of extensive and in-depth discussions with the owners regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to play out. I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls to allow the new leader to build the staff as he sees fit. My gratitude to this community and this organization is ongoing,” Donovan said in a statement released by the team.
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Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on April 12, 2026. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“I owe a lot to my players and staff over the past six years. You all have worked alongside me, day in and day out, to move the Bulls organization forward. And a huge thank you to the Bulls fans, your energy, passion and unwavering support have provided me with a home-court advantage that is generally unmatched in the league.”
Team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said he wanted Donovan to return for another season.
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Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with guard Mac McClung during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on April 12, 2026. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)
“Billy Donovan is one of the best people and coaches I have had the privilege to know and work with. He brought class and genuine care to this organization that had a real impact on people. We wanted Billy to continue as head coach – that was never in question,” Reinsdorf said in a statement released by the team.
“But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new head of basketball operations the right to develop his team was the most important thing for the future of this franchise. That’s the kind of person Billy is: he put the Bulls first. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organization.”
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Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the second half of a game at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on April 5, 2026. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)
Donovan, 60, was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. The New York native wants to continue his coaching career, according to the ESPN report.
In six seasons with the Bulls, he went 226-256 and reached the playoffs once, in the 2021-22 season, when the Bulls lost in five games. Prior to coaching the Bulls, Donovan coached the Oklahoma City Thunder for five seasons, going 243-157 and making the playoffs in all five seasons.
