Bulls Head Coach Donovan Resigns After Six Seasons in 2026

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

Billy Donovan Steps Down as Chicago Bulls Head Coach Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has resigned after missing out on the playoffs, ending his six-season tenure. Donovan, who had an option in his contract for next season, has decided to step down to allow a new coach to rebuild the team. Image source Getty Images shows Billy Donovan coached the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder before joining the Chicago Bulls. Donovan took charge of the Bulls in 2020 and reached the playoffs once in 2021-22, but the team lost in the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks. ## Bulls Owner Jerry Reinsdorf Expresses Gratitude to Donovan Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf expressed gratitude to Billy Donovan for his service to the team. "We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach - that was never in question," 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." The team finished 12th in the Eastern Conference in 2025-26, missing out on the playoffs altogether. ## Donovan's Legacy at the Chicago Bulls Donovan held the head coach position since 2020 and led the team to a single playoff appearance in 2021-22. "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."