Billy Donovan explains why he left the Bulls

Billy Donovan is speaking out for the first time on his departure from the Chicago Bulls.

The former Bulls head coach Donovan spoke this week with Olivia Eisenhauer of WCJB in Florida. During the interview, Donovan explained why he decided to step down from his position with Chicago last April.

“They had to bring in a new front office,” said Donovan of the Bulls. “I just felt like, with a new front office coming in, that person should have the freedom to choose their coach and build out the organization how they see fit, which was fine.”

Donovan also said though that he loved his time in Chicago and even received an offer from the organization to stay on either as coach or move into the front office (before ultimately deciding to walk away). You can see his full interview at the link here.

The 61-year-old Donovan was head coach of the Bulls for six seasons from 2020-26 but ultimately had a mediocre run. He went 226-256 (.469) overall in Chicago and made just one total playoff appearance in 2022 (though the Bulls did earn three play-in tournament berths during his time in charge).

With Chicago firing both executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley prior to Donovan’s departure (and subsequently hiring Bryson Graham as their new lead executive), Donovan decided that he would rather call it quits than have to look over his shoulder to continue in his position. Donovan has also since done quite well for himself and has already landed an assistant coaching job with a top NBA contender.