Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
Getty
Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls.
Before the Chicago Bulls suffered a beatdown against the Philadelphia 76ers, the head coach, Billy Donovan, was faced with questions regarding the University of North Carolina head coaching vacancy.
Recently, Donovan has been in the basketball rumor mill for two reasons. One: There is a belief that the Tar Heels have interest in Donovan, which he didn’t seem to deny on Wednesday, March 25.
Two: There might be some consideration from Donovan to step down after the 2025-2026 NBA season. Clearly, there won’t be any level of public commitment to that idea from Donovan, even if it were true.
When it comes to the UNC position, Donovan had a straightforward answer on that front when reporters asked for a comment.
Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
GettyChicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.
“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan told reporters, according to The Athletic.
“I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But, I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we’re doing here in Chicago and having a game tonight, and traveling to go and play in a back-to-back.”
UNC might be the only major program whose interest in Donovan has been made public, but the Bulls’ head coach claims they certainly aren’t the first team to connect with him from the NCAA.
“Over the years, I’ve had a lot of college guys reach out to talk to me,” Donovan explained.
“It’s different in dealing with players who are being paid now. I also think the cycle of the NBA today is totally different than the cycle of college. I’m focused on what I have to do right now. Like anything else, things are always changing in the game of basketball.”
Billy Donovan, Chicago Bulls
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 08: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Billy Donovan’s NCAA History
Donovan picked up a coaching career in the NCAA right after he played professionally. He started as an assistant at the University of Kentucky.
After spending several seasons at UK, Donovan earned a head coaching job at Marshall. He coached there for two seasons (63% win percentage), before getting hired in the SEC at the University of Florida.
Donovan had a long run with the Gators, coaching a dynasty program for 19 seasons. After that, Donovan landed in the NBA.
The coach left Florida with two NCAA Championships, four Final Four appearances, and four SEC Championships.
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 29: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on January 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Start Of A Long NBA Career
Donovan was hired by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015.
Over five seasons with the Thunder, Donovan coached 400 games in the regular season. The Thunder won 60.3% of their games. They had five playoff runs, with a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2016.
Following his time with the Thunder, Donovan joined the Bulls. During his early run as the Bulls’ coach, they had a talented roster that managed to make the playoffs during the second season.
For the next three seasons, the Bulls posted losing records. They are on pace to do the same in 2025-2026, missing the playoffs for four straight years.
Donovan’s future in Chicago isn’t clear. He picked up a contract extension last July, but there’s been a lot of chatter about a change. Soon, the NBA world will get clarity on his future. For the time being, the UNC rumors are just noise.