Oct 18, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls acting head coach Wes Unseld Jr. directs the team against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Likely Chicago Bulls replacement for Billy Donovan identified

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 12:17 PM ET

There appears to be significant turbulence between Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan and the front office after the fallout from the failed Jaden Ivey experiment.

There has been growing speculation that Donovan could leave the Bulls this offseason as the team begins a new rebuild.

Donovan, who won two national titles as a college basketball head coach with Florida, has been heavily linked to North Carolina after the Tar Heels parted ways with Hubert Davis.

Per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, ownership is weighing making significant changes with leadership this spring. Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley could be out.

Donovan could move to Chapel Hill or take a job in the front office with the Bulls. If Donovan is no longer the head coach, Chicago could promote assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. to head coach.

“Either way, there is a real likelihood that the Bulls are conducting a coaching search in less than two weeks or simply promoting Wes Unseld Jr. since the coaching staff is all under contract through at least next season,” Cowley wrote.

Chicago Bulls could promote Wes Unseld Jr.

Unseld was the head coach of the Washington Wizards from 2021 to 2024, going 77-130 in his three seasons. He was fired in 2024 amid a 7-36 start.

Unseld would be a cheap option for the Bulls as they begin their rebuild. Frankly, this team won’t be competitive for a few seasons, so it wouldn’t make sense for the team to bring in an elite coach this offseason.

With Donovan taking on a role similar to what Brad Stevens did with the Boston Celtics, the Bulls would have a strong brain trust to develop younger talent.

Of course, Donovan could leave for the Tar Heels if the Basketball Hall of Fame coach has more to give in his current profession.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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