Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has quickly emerged as one of the top candidates for North Carolina's job opening. Is he interested in a return to the NCAA though?
North Carolina's athletic department made the tough decision to fire Hubert Davis on Tuesday night. This move felt inevitable after North Carolina blew a 19-point lead against VCU in the opening round of this year's NCAA Tournament. Davis finished his time in Chapel Hill with a 125-54 record and an appearance in the national championship game.
Immediately after Davis was fired, ESPN's Jeff Borzello mentioned Donovan as a potential option for the Tar Heels.
"Billy Donovan is expected to be at or near the top of the list. The Chicago Bulls head coach hasn't coached at the college level since 2015, spending the past 11 years with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20) and Bulls (since 2020)," Borzello wrote, via ESPN. "He has rejected opportunities to return to college before, but he could be more open to the idea now that the Bulls are going to miss the playoffs."
Mar 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs the team against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images © Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
Prior to Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, reporters asked Donovan if he's interested in North Carolina's coaching vacancy. Though he said he's focused on the Bulls, he didn't exactly shut down the rumors.
"My main focus is on these guys and this new team. I understand that there's stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation," Donovan said, via The Athletic. "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."
Donovan had an incredible run at Florida from 1996-2015, winning two national championships and six regular-season SEC titles. It makes sense for North Carolina to pursue a proven winner like him.
Who else will UNC target?
Borzello recently mentioned Alabama's Nate Oats, Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, Florida's Todd Golden and Iowa State's T.J. Otzelberger as intriguing options for North Carolina.
"A few of those coaches come with massive buyouts: Lloyd's would be between $9 million and $12 million, depending on timing; Golden's would cost $16 million; and Oats' would cost $18 million until April 1, when it drops to $10 million," Borzello added.
North Carolina possesses one of the most appealing jobs in college hoops, there's no question about it. Will the program's boosters be willing to cut a hefty check though? Only time will tell.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved