Billy Donovan, head coach of the Chicago Bulls, has signed a multiyear contract extension. This agreement ensures his continued guidance as the franchise commits to a youth movement focused on prominent development in the seasons to come. Donovan—who’s been at the helm since 2020—will be heading into his sixth season with the Bulls in 2025-26.
Led by Donovan’s direction, the Bulls went 39-43 a year ago, good for ninth in the East. The team’s disheartening year signaled their third straight year of coming up short in the play-in tournament. This recurring pattern casts deep doubt on their competitive ability in an increasingly difficult league. Despite these setbacks, Donovan remains a respected figure within the Bulls’ organization, credited for his leadership qualities and strategic approach to coaching.
Prior to his hiring on the Bulls, Donovan had a Hall of Fame coaching career. He joined Rick Pitino at the University of Kentucky as an assistant from 1989 to 1993. He would later find tremendous success at the collegiate ranks, winning consecutive national championships with the University of Florida. In 2015, he took his own jump to the NBA, becoming the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder. There, he developed a national reputation for developing talent and leading championship-caliber teams.
Donovan’s coaching tenure in the NBA has seen him amass a record of 438 wins and 362 losses over ten seasons. His two plus seasons with the Bulls have led to a career record of 195 and 205. With 800 games coached under his belt, he has gained valuable experience and insight into the nuances of professional basketball.
The choice to extend his contract is a clear indication of the Bulls organization’s faith in Donovan’s capacity to lead the young team into the future. The Connecticut organization is getting ready for the new season. Beyond that, they hope to continue to improve from previous seasons and leave a more significant mark in the Eastern Conference.
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