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New York Knicks denied permission to interview Billy Donovan, per report

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The New York Knicks showed interest in Billy Donovan, but they’ll have to keep looking elsewhere, according to a report.

Chicago Bulls insider K.C. Johnson of CHSN reported Wednesday night that the club denied the Knicks’ request to speak to Donovan about their head coaching position.

The Knicks requested permission to speak to Billy Donovan for their coaching vacancy but were denied, per sources. The Bulls value Donovan highly for his coaching acumen, communication skills and ability to connect with players and all members of organization.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 12, 2025

Donovan, 60, has been coaching in the NBA since 2015. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015-20 before landing with the Bulls in 2020.

At the pro level, Donovan has coached 800 games, going 438-362. The Thunder reached the playoffs in all 5 seasons under Donovan, but lost in the first round the last 4 times after a trip to the conference finals in 2016. The Bulls have been to the playoffs only once in Donovan’s tenure, missing the postseason the last 3 years.

Earlier this year, Donovan was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame for his legendary UF tenure from 1996-2015, winning the first 2 national championships in Florida basketball history (2006, ’07). Donovan notched 467 wins at Florida, including 6 SEC regular-season championships, 4 SEC Tournament titles and 4 trips to the Final Four.

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.