Breaking: Chicago Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan Makes Big Decision

It was another disappointing season for the Chicago Bulls, who have been languishing under .500 for the past four seasons, with no discernible future path to becoming competitive. With that, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has decided to step down.

BREAKING: Billy Donovan is exiting as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PZQLdOcOSL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2026

Donovan spent six years as the Bulls' bench boss, but the team made the playoffs only once in that span, and won a single game.

As reported by Shams Charania, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf told Donovan that they wanted him to return, despite making sweeping changes to their front office in recent weeks. But with an option in his contract for next season, following extensive meetings with ownership, Donovan decided to step down.

Donovan wanted to give the Bulls a clean slate in choosing a new front office

The 60-year-old coach explained why he made that decision:

"After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold," Donovan said in a statement released by the team. "I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls, to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit."

Donovan posted a .469 winning percentage in his six years in the Windy City, following a .609 win pct. in five previous seasons with a much better run Oklahoma City Thunder team.

The Bulls fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley two weeks ago, the two men who really orchestrated the mess the franchise finds itself in.

According to Charania's report, the Bulls' search for a new front office is well underway, as they have received permission to interview Minnesota Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd, Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Atlanta Hawks senior vice president Bryson Graham, Cleveland Cavaliers GM Mike Gansey and San Antonio Spurs assistant GM Dave Telep.