Bulls head coach Donovan resigns after six seasons

Billy Donovan coached the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder before joining the Chicago Bulls [Getty Images]

Billy Donovan has resigned as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, ending his six-season tenure, after missing out on the play-offs.

The Bulls wanted to retain Donovan's services despite parting company with vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on 6 April.

Donovan, 66, held an option in his contract for next season but has decided to step down to allow a new coach to rebuild.

"After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organisation, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold," Donovan said.

"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 took charge of the Bulls in 2020 and reached the play-offs once in 2021-22 - losing against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.

They lost in the play-in tournament over the following three seasons but finished 12th in the Eastern Conference in 2025-26 to miss out altogether.

"We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach - that was never in question," Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said.

"But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new head of basketball operations the right to build out his staff was the most important thing for the future of this franchise.

"That is the kind of person Billy is - he put the Bulls first. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organisation."