When it comes to the Chicago Bulls, uncertainty seems to be the only constant, especially regarding the future of head coach Billy Donovan. Rumors are swirling that Donovan might be in line for the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina, following Hubert Davis's dismissal after the Tar Heels' early NCAA Tournament exit.
Despite the buzz, Donovan has remained tight-lipped about his plans. However, Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 has noted that Donovan's inner circle is nudging him toward a change.
"I was texting with Billy Donovan earlier... He's got a lucrative contract with the Bulls right now, but there are a ton of people in his circle that have told him to get out of there"@GoodmanHoops on the North Carolina search 👀
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 25, 2026
🎥: https://t.co/Cm0rEC8no0 pic.twitter.com/G7JZNbvdWC
“I was texting with Billy Donovan earlier,” Goodman shared. “He's got a lucrative contract with the Bulls right now, but many people around him are advising him to leave.”
Donovan is currently in his sixth season with the Bulls, a tenure that has seen the team reach the playoffs just once in 2022, only to be quickly ousted by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bulls have been in perpetual rebuild mode under Donovan, grappling with roster changes, injuries, and inconsistency. They've fallen short of 40 wins in the past two seasons, with a third such outcome looming.
In July 2025, Donovan extended his contract with Chicago. Before his time with the Bulls, he found significant success with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2020, highlighted by a 2016 Western Conference Finals appearance and a 243-175 record. He also coached Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in their final season with the Thunder.
Donovan's college coaching credentials are impressive, making him a strong contender for the Carolina job. His journey began at the University of Kentucky in 1989, where he climbed the ranks from graduate assistant to assistant coach under Rick Pitino. His recruiting prowess was instrumental in Kentucky's 1996 NCAA championship win.
As head coach at Marshall University from 1994 to 1996, Donovan compiled a 35-20 record before moving to the University of Florida in 1996. There, he led the Gators to four Final Fours and back-to-back NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007.
The college basketball landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade with NIL and the transfer portal, making it more professionalized. Donovan's experience at both the college and NBA levels positions him uniquely to navigate these changes. His knack for recruiting and developing young talent makes him an ideal candidate for a return to college coaching, possibly at North Carolina.
In the NBA, Donovan's prospects seem limited, especially with the Bulls. A return to college might just be the perfect next step in his storied career.