Billy Donovan has explained why he decided to step away from the Chicago Bulls after the organization underwent major changes in its front office.
Rather than continuing as head coach under a new group of decision-makers, Donovan chose to leave the position in April and give the incoming front office the opportunity to build the organization in its own way.
The veteran coach eventually found a new role with the San Antonio Spurs, joining Mitch Johnson’s coaching staff as the team’s lead assistant.
Donovan wanted new Bulls front office to have freedom
The decision to leave Chicago came after the Bulls dismissed several members of their previous basketball operations leadership.
With a new front office arriving, Donovan felt it would be inappropriate for him to remain in place if the organization wanted to establish its own vision.
Speaking to reporter Olivia Eisenhauer, Donovan explained the thinking behind his decision.
“I just felt that with a new front office coming in that person should have the freedom to choose their own coach and build out the organisation how they see fit. I went in with the impression that I was just going to be out for a year.”
The 61-year-old coach was therefore prepared to spend the upcoming season away from the bench.
That changed when an opportunity emerged in San Antonio.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to hire Tiago Splitter as their new head coach, replacing Billy Donovan 🚨👀 pic.twitter.com/HSsn5lbM1k
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) June 15, 2026
Spurs opportunity changed Donovan’s plans
The Spurs contacted Donovan during the playoffs as the organization anticipated potentially losing members of its coaching staff.
At first, Donovan was unsure whether the opportunity would develop into something serious. Conversations with Johnson eventually convinced him that joining San Antonio was the right move.
“San Antonio had called during the playoffs and there was some thought that they may lose some staff members. I didn’t really know what to think of it, but after talking to Mitch Johnson, who I’ve got a lot of respect for, I’m just hoping that in some way I can help and bring value.”
Donovan will now bring his experience to a young Spurs team while working alongside Johnson.
His arrival also comes at an important moment for San Antonio following the departure of Sean Sweeney, who left the organization to become head coach of the Orlando Magic.
Donovan brings extensive NBA coaching experience
Donovan enters his new position with more than a decade of NBA head coaching experience.
Before moving to the NBA, he spent nearly two decades at the University of Florida, where he established himself as one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history.
He made the jump to the NBA in 2015, taking over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Donovan coached Oklahoma City from 2015 through 2020 before becoming the head coach of the Bulls.
Across 11 completed NBA seasons with the Thunder and Bulls, he compiled a 469-413 regular-season record.
His résumé also includes two NCAA championships with Florida, further establishing him as one of the most accomplished coaches of his generation.
Spurs add another experienced voice to coaching staff
Donovan’s move to San Antonio represents a significant change in role rather than a departure from coaching.
After years of making the final decisions as an NBA head coach, he will now work directly under Johnson and focus on helping the Spurs’ young roster develop.
For San Antonio, the addition of a coach with Donovan’s experience provides another valuable voice within the organization.
For Donovan, meanwhile, the move gives him an opportunity to remain involved in the NBA after initially expecting to spend the entire season away from the sidelines.
What began as a decision to give the Bulls’ new front office a clean slate has ultimately led Donovan to San Antonio, where he will begin the next chapter of his coaching career as one of Johnson’s most experienced assistants.
