Billy Donovan stays mum on UNC rumors, focuses on Bulls’ finish

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan’s future in Chicago is generating plenty of noise this week.

Reports have linked the veteran coach to the open job at North Carolina, while others suggest he might step away from the Bulls at season’s end to take a year off and figure out his next move.

Asked about the UNC rumors before Wednesday’s game in Philadelphia, Donovan didn’t shut the door on the idea. He made it clear, though, that his focus right now is on finishing the season strong with the Bulls, per Tony Jones of The Athletic.

“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan said. “I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we’re doing here in Chicago.”

Before the college rumors heated up, the Chicago Sun-Times reported whispers that Donovan could step down after this season to take a break. Donovan, who turns 61 in May, didn’t confirm or deny any plans Wednesday.

He did admit the Bulls’ ongoing playoff drought has been frustrating. Chicago is headed for a fourth straight losing season and hasn’t gotten past the play-in since 2022.

Donovan said he plans to sit down with executive VP of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas this spring to talk about the rebuild and the path back to the postseason.

“We’re pivoting right now,” he said. “A lot of it’s going to be me sitting down with ownership, with Arturas, just to find out — OK, what’s the next step?”

As one report noted, if Donovan isn’t fully on board with management’s long-term vision, a split could be on the table. 

“I wanted to get into coaching to win,” Donovan said. “How are we going to work to get into a place where we’re really competing?”