CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls announced on Sunday that head coach Billy Donovan has signed a new contract. The team didn’t share how long the contract is or how much it’s worth.
Donovan has coached the Bulls for five seasons and has a record of 195 wins and 205 losses. Under him, the team made the playoffs just once. This past season, the Bulls finished with a 39-43 record for the second year in a row and came in ninth in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated by Miami in the play-in tournament for the third straight year, losing badly at home.
That loss was disappointing, especially after the team had finished the regular season strong with a 15-5 run. However, many of those wins came against weaker teams or teams resting players for the playoffs.
Before last season, the Bulls traded DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. Later, they also traded Zach LaVine before the deadline. The team started playing faster, and young players like Coby White (20.4 points per game) and Josh Giddey improved a lot.
So far, the Bulls have not made big moves this offseason. They selected Noa Essengue from the French Basketball League with the 12th overall draft pick and traded Lonzo Ball to Cleveland for Isaac Okoro.
In his 10 seasons as an NBA coach, Donovan has a 438-362 record. He was a top coaching option when the Bulls hired him in September 2020 after he left the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he led the team to the playoffs every year. He coached stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul.
Before the NBA, Donovan coached college basketball at the University of Florida for 19 years and won two national titles. He will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September.
FAQ
Who is Billy Donovan?
Billy Donovan is the head coach of the Chicago Bulls and a respected figure in basketball, known for his success in both college and NBA coaching.
Why did the Chicago Bulls extend Billy Donovan’s contract?
The Bulls extended Donovan’s contract to recognize his leadership, player development work, and long-term vision for the team.
How long is Billy Donovan’s new contract extension?
The exact length has not been officially disclosed, but the extension secures his future with the team for multiple seasons.
What has Billy Donovan achieved with the Bulls so far?
Donovan has helped build a competitive roster, improved team chemistry, and led the Bulls to playoff contention during his tenure.