Spurs hiring Billy Donovan as top assistant

Donovan, 60, spent the past six seasons as Chicago’s head coach after previously leading the Thunder for five years. He owns a career NBA coaching record of 469-413 and has long been regarded as one of the league’s better player-development coaches.

Before making the jump to the NBA in 2015, Donovan built a powerhouse at Florida, winning back-to-back national championships and three SEC Coach of the Year awards during a 19-year run with the Gators.

Donovan stepped away from the Bulls following the 2025-26 season, with both sides believing it was time for a fresh start as Chicago shifted toward a younger roster.

Now he’ll join one of the league’s fastest-rising teams.

The Spurs came within three wins of an NBA championship this past season and continue to build around Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and a talented young core. Donovan’s arrival gives Johnson another experienced voice on the bench after longtime Spurs assistant Sean Sweeney departed earlier this offseason to become the Magic’s head coach.

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