Bulls extend their coach despite mixed NBA season

The Chicago Bulls show their faith in Billy Donovan with a multi-year contract extension. The 60-year-old coach remains in charge despite a record of 195 wins to 205 losses over five seasons.

The Chicago Bulls officially announced Sunday the contract extension of their head coach Billy Donovan. This multi-year extension comes as the two-time NCAA champion with Florida (2006 and 2007) was entering the final year of his initial contract.

Neither the franchise nor the coach revealed the financial details or exact duration of this new deal. This decision aligns with Chicago’s desire to focus on stability, despite mixed results since Donovan’s arrival in September 2020.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has signed a multiyear contract extension with the franchise, sources tell ESPN. Donovan is viewed as a leader within the Bulls organization, and will enter his sixth season in Chicago in 2025-26 with 800 NBA games coached over his career. pic.twitter.com/LVYMiZt2Tv

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 27, 2025

A mixed record but an appreciated playing philosophy

In five seasons leading the Bulls, Billy Donovan has an overall record of 195 wins to 205 losses, with only one playoff appearance (2021-2022, 4-1 loss in first round). The team finished 39-43 for the second consecutive season and lost to Miami in the play-in tournament.

Despite these disappointing results, management particularly appreciates the philosophy developed by Donovan, especially after last season’s All-Star Break. The Bulls finished the season with 17 wins in their last 27 games, adopting a fast-paced game orchestrated by Coby White and Josh Giddey.

According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sport Network, « the Bulls greatly appreciate Billy Donovan for his professionalism, coaching skills, ability to connect with players, and ability to represent the franchise. »

A controversial extension

This extension comes in a particular context, as the Bulls blocked an approach attempt from the New York Knicks to interview Donovan. Brian Windhorst of ESPN commented on the situation: « They won’t even let Billy Donovan out of purgatory. He could have gone to the Knicks, and they won’t even let him leave because they won’t even admit their situation. »

The former Oklahoma City coach (243-157 in five seasons) must now continue the rebuild started by Chicago. After the departures of DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Zach LaVine, the Bulls are relying on a new generation led by Coby White, who averaged a career-high 20.4 points last season, and Josh Giddey.

Donovan, who will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September, has an impressive record with 438 wins to 362 losses in ten NBA seasons. It remains to be seen if he can bring the Bulls back to the top for the first time since the Michael Jordan era.