Billy Donovan has stepped down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, ending a six-season run on the bench, the team announced Tuesday.
The decision, confirmed on Apr. 21, 2026, follows a week of in-depth meetings between Donovan and team ownership. According to sources, the 60-year-old coach held a contractual option for the 2026-27 season but chose to leave so the franchise’s incoming head of basketball operations can assemble a new staff without restrictions.
“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 released by the club.
Owner Jerry Reinsdorf emphasized the front office’s desire to retain Donovan yet acknowledged the coach’s decision to prioritize organizational flexibility. “We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach — that was never in question,” Reinsdorf said. “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.”
Front-office overhaul continues
The Bulls dismissed executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on Apr. 6 after the pair delivered one playoff appearance in six years. Chicago has since requested permission to interview Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey, and San Antonio Spurs assistant general manager Dave Telep, sources said. The club also intends to speak with Austin Brown, co-head of CAA’s basketball division.
Team officials aim to hire their new top basketball executive shortly before or just after the mid-May draft combine, league sources added.
Donovan’s tenure in Chicago
Donovan, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025, compiled a 226-256 record with the Bulls and missed the postseason for the fourth straight year this season. Before arriving in Chicago, he spent five campaigns with the Oklahoma City Thunder, going 243-157 and reaching the playoffs each year.
Despite receiving interest from the New York Knicks last offseason and the University of North Carolina during the current campaign, Donovan remained committed to his Bulls contract until Tuesday’s decision. Sources said he plans to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest across the NBA.
“My gratitude for this community and this organization is permanent,” Donovan said, thanking ownership, players, staff and fans for their support.
Source: ESPN
