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BREAKING NEWS: New York Knicks Requested to Interview Billy Donovan for Head Coaching Role

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net
By Alejandro Delgado | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 12:58 AM ET

According to insider K.C. Johnson from CHSN, Leon Rose and the front office of the New York Knicks sought permission to interview Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan but were denied. Donovan has a connection with the Knicks, as New York was the only NBA team he played for, and he is a native of Long Island.

It is unclear whether the Knicks made this request before or after being turned down by other teams, such as the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Bulls President of Basketball Operations, Arturas Karnisovas, has consistently expressed appreciation for Billy Donovan.

The Knicks requested permission to speak to Billy Donovan for their coaching vacancy but were denied, per sources. The Bulls value Donovan highly for his coaching acumen, communication skills and ability to connect with players and all members of organization.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 12, 2025

Cody Westerlund, another insider from 670 The Score, added to Johnson’s report by mentioning speculation at the NBA Draft Combine about the Bulls and Donovan potentially agreeing to a contract extension this summer.

There was some speculation at NBA Combine that Billy Donovan and the Bulls would get an extension done this sometime offseason, and this development lends credence to that thought. https://t.co/y9kgoADNjj
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) June 12, 2025

This development isn’t surprising, considering the Bulls had previously extended Donovan's contract before the 2022-23 season, a fact that was reported later in November by Shams Charania.

It's still unclear whether the front office has addressed its Head of Player Development vacancy. An additional head coaching vacancy could create more problems than solutions for this pivotal offseason.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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