Billy Donovan leaves Chicago Bulls: Could return to college basketball be on table?

TL;DR

Billy Donovan has stepped down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons, despite management wanting him to return. Speculation arises about his potential return to college basketball, particularly at Kentucky.

Key points

Billy Donovan steps down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls
Donovan was with the Bulls for six seasons
Speculation about a return to college basketball arises
Kentucky and North Carolina showed interest in Donovan
Mark Pope and Mike Malone were hired instead

Mentioned in this story

Billy Donovan

Chicago BullsOklahoma City ThunderKentuckyNorth Carolina

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 5: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 5, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images On Tuesday, it was announced by Shams Charania of ESPN that Billy Donovan would be stepping down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons. The decision was surprising, as Bulls management reportedly wanted Donovan to return. Before his time in Chicago, Donovan became the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder after spending 19 years leading the Florida Gators. In his final college season (2014–15), Florida went 16–17 before Donovan made the jump to the NBA. Since 2024, Donovan has been mentioned as a candidate to return to the college ranks. After John Calipari left to become the head coach at Arkansas, there were rumors that Donovan could leave the Bulls to take over at Kentucky. That did not happen, as Kentucky wasn’t willing to wait and hired Mark Pope instead. More recently, after Hubert Davis was let go by North Carolina, the Tar Heels made a run at Donovan before settling on Mike Malone. Now, after a disappointing season, Kentucky is entering a pivotal stretch under Pope. If things do not improve, the program could consider a change after his third season. Should Donovan remain available, he could once again emerge as a potential candidate to finally take over in Lexington after previous opportunities did not materialize.

Q&A

Why did Billy Donovan leave the Chicago Bulls?

Billy Donovan stepped down as head coach after six seasons, despite Bulls management's desire for him to return.

Could Billy Donovan return to college basketball?

Yes, there are speculations about Donovan potentially returning to college basketball, especially with Kentucky possibly considering him in the future.

What teams were interested in hiring Billy Donovan after his Bulls tenure?

After leaving the Bulls, Donovan was linked to Kentucky and North Carolina, but both programs ultimately hired other coaches.