This week has been all about Billy Donovan’s future with the Chicago Bulls. First, the Chicago Sun-Times posted an article by Joe Cowley detailing his potential exit as the team’s head coach. Next, Hubert Davis’s firing yesterday from the North Carolina Tar Heels has immediately sparked speculation that Donovan could pivot into the open vacancy and return to the college level. As recently as yesterday afternoon, a new angle has entered the discussion on what Chicago’s head coach will do next, and it is already making Bulls fans scratch their heads. How much traction does this new direction have, and what outcome would be best for the franchise moving forward?
Laying Out All Options
The most important first step in determining where Billy Donovan will land after this season and what is best for the Chicago Bulls moving forward is setting the scene for where things currently stand.
The report that started all the questions regarding his head coaching future in Chicago was brought to light by Joe Cowley, stating that Donovan’s desire to win, disinterest in a rebuild, fatigue built up from another disappointing season, and some disheartening events away from the court have all led the general public to believe he might be done after the next ten games.
Never forget that Billy Donovan left the Thunder in part because he didn’t want to rebuild only to find himself in Chicago’s perpetual rebuild watching Oklahoma City’s ascending dynasty from afar. https://t.co/4w1yFxjnKb
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) March 25, 2026
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Next, the North Carolina head coaching position. There have been half a dozen reports circulating on social media from various sources, tying Donovan to being the next man up. His impressive college resume, his looming departure from the Chicago Bulls, and the Tar Heels’ reportedly “aggressive pursuit” of the Naismith Hall of Fame leader have all grown momentum toward this being his next chapter.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is expected to be aggressively pursued by North Carolina to become their next head coach, per @jeffborzello (https://t.co/RX676wAsUP).
Donovan, who has coached in the NBA since 2015, previously won two Final Fours at Florida. pic.twitter.com/q7gVhOJ2Ul
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 25, 2026
The third option, which to this point has to be the favorite since no substantial evidence has proved otherwise, is that he remains the coach of the Chicago Bulls. His contract was described as “multi-year” by multiple sources, including Yahoo Sports, and was inked in July of 2025. This means he’s under contract for at least one more year, and more likely multiple seasons beyond 2026.
Lastly, as introduced yesterday afternoon, a move similar to Brad Stevens could be in play. This would mean a step away from his head coaching role but a promotion into front-office operations. He’d remain with the organization and have greater influence over roster decisions, draft choices, and the future structure of player personnel.
A Potential Move To The Front Office
Marc Eversley, currently the general manager of the franchise, is the next hottest name to get the boot this summer. Whether it’s been botched draft selections or whiffed trade opportunities, the roster simply hasn’t been good enough for his entire six-year tenure with the team, and someone is going to have to answer soon for the continued failures. As discussed on Chicago’s 670 The Score with David Haugh, there is speculation that Donovan could fill that role rather than leaving the organization entirely. He’s got the basketball knowledge and resume; his name value would help lure free agents and high-profile players to the historic basketball city, and with his age and disinterest in leading a rebuilding product on the floor, the intrigue of pulling the strings for one could be present. If last summer’s evaluation of a draft prospect Chicago had a great chance to draft is any indication, he’d be an instant upgrade from the current situation in the front office.
Billy Donovan says Derik Queen was one of the guys the front office asked him to watch predraft. More on what he learned about him during the draft process: pic.twitter.com/fOgWjLymld
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) November 25, 2025
Could the Bulls be eyeing a move similar to Brad Stevens, promoting Billy Donovan into the decision-making group in the organization, or does he opt for a college blue blood head coaching vacancy to rekindle his legendary track record at that level?
