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After six seasons as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, Billy Donovan has decided to step down from his position, 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 into the fold. But Donovan had an option in his contract for next season and opted out, according to ESPN.
“After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership 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 unfold. 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 for this community and this organization is abiding,” 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/Image Images)
“I owe a lot to my players and staff over the past six years. You all have worked side by side with me, day in and day out to drive the Bulls organization forward. And a huge thank you to the Bulls fans, their energy, passion and unwavering support provided a home field advantage that is often 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/Image Images)
“Billy Donovan is one of the best people and coaches I have ever had the privilege of knowing and working with. He brought class and genuine care to this organization that made a real impact on people. We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach; that was never in doubt,” Reinsdorf said in a statement released by the team.
“But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new Chief of Basketball Operations the right to develop his staff was the most important thing for the future of this franchise. That’s the type 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 made 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.
