The Spurs are adding one of the NBA’s most respected coaches to Mitch Johnson’s staff.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Pete Thamel, San Antonio is hiring former Bulls coach Billy Donovan as its lead 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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