Introduction to the Report
It appears that Billy Donovan will remain head coach of the Bulls for the foreseeable future, according to a report by NBA correspondent Marc Stein.
Citing league sources, Stein posted on his X feed Sunday that the Bulls are in the process of extending Donovan’s contract. Donovan previously signed a contract extension with the Bulls prior to the 2022-23 season, which is said to have one year left, according to Stein.
Background on Billy Donovan
Donovan, Stein reports, was one of five coaches currently under contract that the New York Knicks sought permission to speak with for their vacant head coaching position. Donovan is a Long Island native, so returning home to coach the Knicks has been an object of speculation.
That job opened up after the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, who was head coach of the Bulls several years before Donovan, after he led New York to its first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years.
Impact on the Bulls
By signing another extension with the Bulls, Donovan would end speculation about leaving for a different NBA job or returning to the NCAA ranks, where he led the Florida Gators to back-to-back national championships in 2006-07.
But, as Stein reports, it looks like Donovan will remain with the Bulls, the franchise he’s led for five seasons after taking over in 2020 following a five-year stint as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Coaching Record and Team Performance
Donovan has an overall record of 438-362 (.548) in 10 seasons as an NBA head coach, but he’s under .500 at 195-205 (.488) during his Bulls tenure. Chicago has made the Eastern Conference playoffs just once under Donovan, losing in the first round at the end of the 2021-22 season.
The Bulls have seen their season end at the hands of the Miami Heat in the play-in round in each of the last three seasons.
Future Prospects
But Donovan’s track record of developing young players, going back to his college career, would seem to fit well with the Bulls’ current roster construction plans.
Chicago is looking to build around young talent like Matas Buzelis, the Chicagoland native who the Bulls selected with the No. 11 overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft. Buzelis is coming off a promising rookie campaign in which he saw more playing time as the season progressed, making 31 starts and finishing with 8.6 points per game.
The Bulls have the No. 12 overall pick in this year’s draft, which is next week Wednesday, June 25, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Conclusion
The contract extension between the Bulls and Billy Donovan is a significant development for the franchise, indicating a commitment to stability and continuity. With Donovan at the helm, the Bulls can focus on building a strong team around their young talent and making a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Billy Donovan?
A: Billy Donovan is the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. - Q: What is the current status of Billy Donovan’s contract with the Bulls?
A: The Bulls are in the process of extending Donovan’s contract, according to a report by Marc Stein. - Q: Why was there speculation about Billy Donovan leaving the Bulls?
A: There was speculation about Donovan leaving for a different NBA job or returning to the NCAA ranks, particularly with the New York Knicks seeking permission to speak with him about their vacant head coaching position. - Q: What is Billy Donovan’s coaching record with the Bulls?
A: Donovan has a record of 195-205 (.488) during his Bulls tenure. - Q: What are the Bulls’ plans for their current roster?
A: The Bulls are looking to build around young talent like Matas Buzelis and have the No. 12 overall pick in this year’s draft.
