Billy Donovan is “stepping away” as head coach for the Chicago Bulls, the team announced Tuesday.
In a message posted by the team on Instagram, Donovan said the decision came “after a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization” and “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 out the staff as they see fit. My gratitude for this community and this organization is permanent,” he said in a statement. “Thank you Jerry and Michael for giving me this opportunity and more importantly, for the relationship that has been forged. I was so blessed to be able to work with such great owners. I owe so much to my players and staff over the last 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 Bulls fans, your energy, passion and unwavering support provided a home-court advantage that is generally unmatched around the league.“
Donovan marks the latest to leave the team after a front office shakeup earlier this month that saw executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley both fired.
“I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand the frustration,” Bulls CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf wrote after the earlier firings.
In his letter to fans, Reinsdorf said “these decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally,” but noted he hopes to build a team that can “ultimately contend for championships.”
It was for that reason, he said, the team and Donovan decided to part ways.
“While we clearly wanted Billy to return as our head coach, we had open dialogue about the importance of respecting the process of bringing in new Basketball Operations leadership,” Reinsdorf said. “Together, we mutually agreed that giving that person the freedom to shape the organization was the best approach for everyone involved. We are grateful for everything he has given to this team and wish Billy and his family all the best.”
Donovan has led the Bulls since 2020, going 226-256 over six seasons with one playoff appearance in 2022.
Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf called him “one of the finest people and coaches I have had the privilege of knowing and working with” and said the decision followed the earlier front office changes.
“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 this franchise,” he said. “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.”
Just eight players have guaranteed contracts for next season (Josh Giddey, Patrick Williams, Matas Buzelis, Rob Dillingham, Isaac Okoro, Jalen Smith, Tre Jones and Noa Essengue), so it should be a busy offseason with new decision-makers in charge.
