Billy Donovan opts out as head coach of Bulls

Billy Donovan decided not to stick around for the latest rebuild of the Chicago Bulls.

Donovan was 226-256 in six seasons with the Bulls, who added the coaching vacancy to the list of openings at the top of the organization. Chicago was in the midst of a search for a new president of basketball operations and general manager.

“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 in a statement Tuesday. “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.”

The Bulls said last week they wanted Donovan to return. With an option in his existing contract, Donovan decided not to exercise the clause for the 2026-27 season.

Donovan, 60, expressed no public interest in moving to a front-office role and there were no indications a move was proposed by the Bulls.

The Bulls were expected to interview agent Austin Brown, co-head of CAA’s basketball division, and five other known candidates first reported by ESPN: Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior VP Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep.

On April 6, the Bulls parted ways with executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley after six seasons and just one playoff appearance.

Coming off a 31-51 campaign, the Bulls are hoping to hire a new decision-maker prior to the May 10-17 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

Donovan thanked owner Jerry Reinsdorf and chairman Michael Reinsdorf “for giving me this opportunity” and appears to be exiting on good terms.

“Billy Donovan is one of the finest people and coaches I have had the privilege of knowing and working with,” Jerry Reinsdorf said in a press release. “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 question. 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 the franchise. That’s the kind of person Billy is — he put the Bulls first.”

–Field Level Media