Ahead of Wednesday’s game in Philadelphia, Bulls coach Billy Donovan addressed rumors linking him to the UNC job. While he didn’t deny interest, he emphasized his focus is on finishing the Bulls’ season strong, as noted by Tony Jones of The Athletic.
“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan stated. “I know there’s speculation out there, but my priority is what we’re doing in Chicago, especially with a game (Wednesday) and traveling for a back-to-back.”
Before the UNC rumors surfaced, a report from the Chicago Sun-Times mentioned speculation that Donovan might step down to take a year off and reconsider his future. Donovan, who turns 61 this May, did not confirm or deny these plans but acknowledged the Bulls’ ongoing playoff drought as frustrating. The franchise is poised for its fourth consecutive losing season and hasn’t progressed past the play-in tournament since 2022.
During his pregame media session, Donovan indicated he will discuss the team’s rebuilding journey with executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas this spring.
“We’re pivoting right now,” he said. “I need to sit down with ownership and Arturas to determine what the next steps are. How can we improve and build something? If we take a step back, what does the path forward look like? We may go through a play-in again, but what is our plan for getting into the playoffs?”
As reported by Poe, there is a recognition within the organization that a lack of alignment on future plans could lead to a parting of ways with Donovan.
“I wanted to get into coaching to win,” he remarked. “How do we become competitive, and how do we build this team moving forward? Those are key issues for discussion. I want us to be in a situation where we’re competing in meaningful games. I realize that doesn’t happen instantly; it requires a lot of effort and perseverance.”