After Billy Donovan Steps Down, What’s Next For The Chicago Bulls?

by Sam LanierMay 9, 2026, 11:21 pm >

The Chicago Bulls and head coach Billy Donovan are going their separate ways after Donovan decided to step down after six seasons.

The Bulls announced this decision last month, adding that they wanted Donovan to remain the team’s head coach but respected his decision to step down. Donovan elected to step down following meetings with the Bulls’ ownership this past week.

“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 released 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.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

The Bulls will be starting fresh next season after cleaning out the front office and bringing in a new head coach.

Despite cleaning house in the front office, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf wanted Donovan to remain with the organization as they head in a new direction. “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 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.”

The Bulls even offered Donovan a managerial role if he wanted to move into a front office position, but Donovan thought it was best to move on.

Donovan made the playoffs just one time during his tenure in Chicago, but he remains a popular name in coaching cycles. Donovan’s name popped up during North Carolina’s coaching search before they decided to hire Michael Malone.

A move back to college could be in the cards for Donovan, as the Warriors are expected to pursue current Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden if Steve Kerr elects to retire, and that would create an opening for a potential reunion for Donovan and the Gators.