Despite failing to reach the playoffs, the Chicago Bulls’ front office has opted to retain head coach Billy Donovan, signing him to a multiyear extension, according to ESPN. Donovan will be entering his sixth season at the helm, even though his overall record with the franchise stands at 195-205, hardly an inspiring mark and one that, at first glance, would seem unlikely to warrant a new deal.
The last two seasons have offered little cause for celebration. Chicago finished 39-43 in back-to-back campaigns, ending each year in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. While those results were not disastrous, they underscored a need for improvement and a more consistent identity.
Still, the Bulls’ management is banking on stability. By keeping Donovan, they aim to foster continuity and build a more balanced roster while continuing to develop younger players. Donovan had recently drawn interest from the New York Knicks, but he chose to remain committed to the project he has been cultivating in Chicago since 2020.
Consistency defines Donovan’s tenure
Donovan is one of only three NBA coaches to have weathered the league’s recent coaching carousel, maintaining his position for multiple seasons. He shares this rare longevity with Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers, all of whom were hired in the summer of 2020 and have now surpassed 400 games coached. The only coaches with longer tenures are Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors.
During Donovan’s five seasons in Chicago, the team’s best performance came in 2021-2022. That year, the Bulls finished 46-36, clinching their first playoff berth in five years. However, their postseason run was shortlived; they were nearly swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round, falling 4-1.
Injuries have hampered the franchise since that high point, particularly the extended absence of guard Lonzo Ball. The team has struggled to replicate its earlier success, resulting in three consecutive losing seasons:
- Season 2022-2023: Record 40-42, eliminated in the Play-In
- Following season 2023-2024: Another bad record 39-43, eliminated in the Play-In.
- Next Season 2024- 2025: Bad record 39-43, again ousted in the Play-In, this time by the Miami Heat.
The Bulls continue to rely on their core of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. Coby White has emerged as a key contributor and is expected to maintain his upward trajectory.
New additions for the upcoming season include free agent Jalen Smith and trade acquisitions Josh Giddey, from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chris Duarte (Sacramento Kings), and Talen Horton-Tucker.
With his contract renewed, Donovan’s immediate objective is to return the Bulls to the postseason, and once there, push for a deeper playoff run that could reestablish Chicago as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
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