Many felt that the last six years of Chicago Bulls basketball were among the most frustrating in franchise history. Head coach Billy Donovan was part of that, but it was never believed that he was the primary issue. The harsh reality is that he never got a roster that you’d call strong enough to make a true run in the Eastern Conference. That falls at the feet of former VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas. It is likely why the Reinsdorfs wanted to keep Donovan in place after firing the executive.
However, that decision belonged to the head coach. He met with ownership after the season to discuss matters and then returned home to contemplate his next move. That decision finally arrived on Tuesday. Donovan is stepping down as Bulls head coach, marking the end of the third-longest tenure in franchise history. While there wasn’t much success during that time, nobody can say Donovan was the reason for it all. This was probably the best decision for all parties.
The Bulls are entering a rebuilding phase. Donovan is 60 and would probably like to go somewhere he can win.
Billy Donovan did right by the team in the end.
Let’s face it. The Bulls’ desire to keep him as head coach, while a welcome show of support, would’ve created a highly awkward situation with whoever they eventually hired as the next VP of Basketball Operations. Inheriting a coach from the previous regime almost always leads to an uncomfortable working environment. To his credit, Donovan recognized this. In crafting his departure message, he made it clear that ownership should allow the next franchise leader to build out the staff as he sees fit.
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Such cases of humility and grace are difficult to find in the NBA these days. Most coaches would’ve clung to that job for dear life. Billy Donovan had the self-awareness to realize the best place for him was no longer in Chicago. He will have jobs lined up for him elsewhere. Meanwhile, the next Bulls VP will be free to hire any coach he wants and build the team in his vision. It is rather fitting that Donovan had to save the Reinsdorfs from themselves in this situation. They were about to waste a golden opportunity to reshape the organization by clinging to the past.
Donovan replacements should start lining up fast.
The Bulls have a pretty strong setup moving forward. They have the most cap space in the league, two 1st round picks in the upcoming draft, and two strong pieces to build around in Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. A smart executive/coach pairing should be able to turn that into a legitimate playoff contender quickly. The obvious question is who the Bulls want as their next coach. That won’t be determined until they hire a VP first. That process is underway as they’ve lined up interviews with six known candidates and three mystery ones.
With the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10th, it is likely the team will get that hire done within the next couple of weeks. Focus will then shift to hiring a coach. There is no shortage of options. If the Bulls wish to go the Billy Donovan route of hiring someone with experience, they could bring back Tom Thibodeau or lure former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer back to the division. Former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts is also an option.
If they want to go young, the list is even longer. Sean Sweeney in San Antonio is widely considered the best head-coach-in-waiting. Chris Quinn, the top understudy of Eric Spoelstra in Miami, is another. Don’t forget Micah Nori, who’s done excellent work in Minnesota. The Bulls have lots of options.
