The Chicago Bulls have today announced that their long-term Head Coach, Billy Donovan has departed the franchise on his own terms claiming they wanted the 60 year-old to stay put.
Following the double departure of Chicago's VP of Basketball Operations, Arturas Karnisovas and their GM Marc Eversley earlier this month, The Bulls were keen to keep Donovan ahead of a 'new era' for the franchise but he held an option for next season in his contract and decided not to return.
A two-time NCAA Tournament Champion from his time with the Florida Gators, Donovan had a five year stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder before his arrival in Illinois where he won the 2020 NBA Coach of the Year award.
Donovan was heavily linked with a return to the collegiate level with North Carolina earlier this month but he was unwilling to commit to their project before completing the NBA season in Chicago, eventually UNC went in a different direction appointing former NBA Champion HC Mike Malone.
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Donovan explains his Chicago exit.
Upon the announcement of his departure, Donovan said:"After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organisation, I have decided to step away as the Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls.
"I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls, to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit."
With a stark lack of high-profile college opportunities, time will tell if Donovan opts for an immediate return to the NBA potentially with the newly available Milwaukee Bucks or a short career hiatus until a potentially more attractive vacancy comes up.
