As Mike Malone, Billy Donovan and Mark Pope might know, the NFL isn’t the only league facing sport-wide roster shuffling and franchise-changing moves this week. Donovan, after six years with the Chicago Bulls, has made a big change.
According to a Tuesday report by Shams Charania on X, Donovan is leaving the Bulls.
“BREAKING: Billy Donovan is exiting as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted.
The report kicked off a series of responses from fans, with many speculating that Donovan could replace Pope at Kentucky.
“I’d be perfectly fine if UK moves on from Pope now and brings in Donovan today,” one posted.
“Should be priority 1 for Kentucky,” another said.
“any reason not to try for Billy d today? Is there anything to lose? Likely keep the recruits (not a big deal if we don’t) and likely increase odds for stokes. Pope buyout can’t be that much either, half a year of NIL budget probably,” another added.
“I can’t wait until we get rid of unqualified Mark Pope. Billy Donovan is going to have all the the top HS recruits on campus again,” one replied.
Other fans, however, cast doubt on any chance of Donovan replacing Pope.
“Never. Going. To. Happen. Donovan / UK ship sailed. In fact, the ship was never even sea worthy lol,” one posted.
“Currently that loud or not.. why would Billy D wanna come to Kentucky and deal with our incompetent athletic department. Complete shit show from every aspect,” another assessed.
“What players currently available would Donovan get that pope can’t? I think we’re passed a difference this season. Stokes maybe?” one questioned.
Donovan went 31-51 with the Bulls this season. After a second-year surge that included a playoff appearance, Donovan was primed to lead the team back to glory, but he did not make another postseason appearance. Donovan was in contention for the UNC head coaching vacancy a few weeks ago, but Mike Malone ended up landing the gig.
Big Questions Loom For Billy Donovan
As the former head coach of the Chicago Bulls, Billy Donovan now must weigh his next steps. First, he will need to decide if he wants to coach in 2026.
If he wishes to return to the sideline, he will then need to decide whether he wants to rejoin the NBA (potentially as an assistant coach) or move to college basketball.
Either way, unless he had a job lined up before he left, it could be some time before fans learn the eventual fate of Donovan and which franchise or program will land him next. A departure for the NCAA would mark the first season in which he had not been with an NBA franchise since the 2014 season.
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