Billy Donovan could walk away from coaching Bulls after trying season

One NBA coach could be calling it quits after the season.

There is “growing momentum” that Bulls coach Billy Donovan could step away from the job when this season concludes, according to a report from the Chicago Sun-Times on Tuesday.

Donovan, 60, is likely not done coaching, according to the report, but could just take a year off to evaluate what he wants to do next, with the Bulls struggling during a season in which he lost his father and mother-in-law in a matter of weeks. 

Chicago head coach Billy Donovan talks with forward Jalen Smith during the second half of the Bulls’ blowout win over the Grizzlies at United Center on March 16, 2026. Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Bulls have only made the playoffs one time during Donovan’s six seasons — a first-round exit in 2021-22. That season was the only time the team won more than 40 games with him. 

Donovan, who signed a multi-year contract extension in July 2025, hasn’t exactly been given the plethora of talent from general manager Arturas Karnisovas, who also could soon be on the hot seat as Donovan’s departure would eliminate one potential scapegoat, per the report.

The Bulls are sitting in 12th place in the East at  29-42, well behind the Nets, Wizards and Pacers in the tanking race. 

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the second half of a game against the Thunder at United Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Some of Donovan’s top players during his Chicago tenure have been Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Tre Jones. All good players, but not exactly game-changing NBA talent in a top-heavy Eastern Conference.

The team hasn’t picked higher than 11th in the draft the past five seasons, limiting its chance to add a true impact rookie.

It could be a situation that leads to Donovan walking away.

Donovan, who led Florida to back-to-back national championships at the NCAA level, has compiled a 467-401 record over 11 NBA seasons.

He won coach of the year in Oklahoma City in 2019-20 and led the Thunder to the Western Conference finals with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in his first season.