Principles matter more than comfort, and Billy Donovan has never strayed from his. He values earned opportunity, trusts his own judgment over outside noise, and refuses to slow down necessary change. Those beliefs ultimately shaped his decision to step away from the Chicago Bulls after six seasons.

One week after a candid sit-down with owners Michael Reinsdorf and Jerry Reinsdorf about the franchise’s direction, the team confirmed on Tuesday that it had mutually agreed to part ways with the now former head coach.

“After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold,” the 60-year-old said in a statement. “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.”

He added, “My gratitude for this community and this organization is permanent.” Donovan also thanked the owners for trusting him with the role, while emphasizing that it meant more than just the job. He valued the personal bond and mutual respect they had built over time. “I was so blessed to be able to work with such great owners,” he said.

Meanwhile, Billy Donovan continued, “I owe so much to my players and staff over the last six years. You all have worked side by side with me, day in and day out, to drive the Bulls organization forward. And a huge thank you to Bulls fans, your energy, passion, and unwavering support provided a home-court advantage that is generally unmatched around the league.”

And with that, an integral chapter ended for the Chicago Bulls and Billy Donovan. Chicago pulled the plug on vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley after four straight losing seasons, breaking up the 2020 leadership group that had also brought in Donovan.

Shams Charania added a key layer to the split. “They offered him any amount of years that he wanted to stay as coach, any type of extension he wanted, even a high-ranking managerial role. But Billy Donovan wants to keep coaching, and he actually had an option, his own option in his contract for next season. And he decided to decline it and to step down today as head coach.”

The Bulls are now searching for a new head of basketball operations and have already begun interviewing candidates to shape the franchise’s direction. Donovan stepped aside before that process unfolded, giving the next leadership group full control over the reset. He still wants to coach and is expected to draw interest across the league.

Potential Replacements for Bulls After Billy Donovan’s Exit

Donovan’s exit leaves a clear question behind: who takes over next for the Chicago Bulls? A few names already stand out based on experience, fit, and availability.

Tom Thibodeau: A reunion is not guaranteed, but Thibodeau remains one of the most proven options available. He brings a track record of building disciplined teams and consistently pushing them into the playoffs. For a Bulls franchise trying to regain structure and identity, he stands out as a coach capable of delivering immediate results.

Steve Kerr: The 60-year-old’s future hangs in the balance at the Golden State Warriors. Yet, he might be one of those names who will be able to pull at the heartstrings of the Bulls. Simply because Coach Kerr has 5 seasons with the organization and was a part of the 1996-1998 three-peat era. Besides, he’s one of the most successful coaches in the league’s history. With a proven 604-353 record, along with a 104-48 playoff mark.

Taylor Jenkins: Coming from Mike Budenholzer’s coaching tree, Jenkins quickly turned the Memphis Grizzlies into a playoff-caliber team. He led them to four postseason appearances in five years, including two straight 50-plus-win seasons. Memphis moved on before the 2025 playoffs, but his résumé keeps him in the mix. Any pursuit from Chicago likely depends on how quickly the new front office is put in place.

This kind of decision is not uncommon when a franchise commits to a full reset. In 2018, Stan Van Gundy stepped away from the Detroit Pistons during a front-office overhaul to give new leadership a clean slate. Donovan’s exit follows a similar path. The Bulls now face a defining stretch, not just in hiring a new coach, but in finally establishing a clear direction. The next moves will determine whether this reset leads to real progress or another cycle of uncertainty.