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Will Billy Donovan’s Chicago Bulls departure have a ripple effect for college basketball?
TL;DR
Billy Donovan's departure from the Chicago Bulls may influence college basketball coaching dynamics, as NBA coaches are often considered top candidates for college positions. This could lead to significant changes in both the NBA and college basketball landscapes.
Key points
- Billy Donovan's departure from the Chicago Bulls
- Potential influence on college basketball coaching dynamics
- NBA coaches as candidates for college positions
- Impact on recruitment strategies
- Trends of NBA coaches moving to college basketball
Mentioned in this story
Billy Donovan
Chicago Bulls
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 10: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Orlando Magic at the United Center on April 10, 2026 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. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Every time a top college basketball coaching position opens, one name from the NBA ranks seems to light up the message boards, Twitter and wherever else fans talk about the sport as a “make him say no” candidate. You know who I’m talking about.
That’s right. Bra-
*dragged offstage by vaudeville hook*
Okay, alright, not him. BUT! Billy Donovan is absolutely the second name right after that one, pretty much exclusively getting tossed around for the jobs that have a real aura to them, the North Carolinas and the Kentuckys. He won back-t0-back titles during his time at the college level, a feat only equaled since by the sport’s current standard bearer, UConn’s Dan Hurley.
Good news for those fanbases: Donovan is now officially available after stepping down as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Bad news for those fanbases: those programs currently have head coaches. North Carolina moved to hire a different NBA head coach in Mike Malone while Kentucky… yeah.
Now, to get the obvious out of the way, Donovan almost certainly won’t be taking a college job this cycle because there aren’t any openings barring sudden, drastic movement and even if he did he wouldn’t be able to build a team from there given the scarcity of transfer portal talent available this late in the cycle.
Q&A
How will Billy Donovan's exit from the Chicago Bulls impact college basketball?
Donovan's departure could create opportunities for NBA coaches to transition to college basketball, potentially reshaping coaching strategies and team dynamics.
Who are the potential candidates to replace Billy Donovan at the Chicago Bulls?
While specific candidates haven't been named, NBA coaches are often discussed as top prospects for such openings, particularly those with college experience.
What are the implications of NBA coaches moving to college basketball?
The movement of NBA coaches to college basketball can elevate the level of competition and change recruitment strategies, impacting both leagues.
What has been the trend of NBA coaches transitioning to college basketball?
There has been a notable trend of NBA coaches moving to college basketball, often leading to increased interest and competitiveness in college programs.
