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Billy Donovan Steps Down as Bulls Coach After Six Seasons

The move clears the way for the next basketball-operations leader to choose a staff.

Overview

  • Donovan, who announced his exit Tuesday, said he stepped away to let the next head of basketball operations choose the staff.
  • Ownership had publicly backed keeping him, but he held an option for 2026–27 and chose not to exercise it.
  • The Bulls are interviewing candidates to run basketball operations, including Matt Lloyd, Dennis Lindsey, Bryson Graham, Mike Gansey, Dave Telep and agent Austin Brown.
  • Chicago plans to finalize its executive hire ahead of the May 10–17 draft combine in the city, setting up a linked coaching search.
  • Donovan leaves after a 226–256 run with one playoff trip, following a 31–51 season and a broader reset that included a trade-deadline pivot and the waiver of Jaden Ivey for conduct issues.