The Chicago Bulls made their biggest offseason decision by extending head coach Billy Donovan’s contract.
The multiyear extension comes despite uncertainty surrounding Josh Giddey’s future with the franchise.
Shams Charania reported that Billy Donovan signed the extension following negotiations that began at the end of last season. The deal ensures stability in the coaching position while roster questions persist.
Donovan was previously linked to the New York Knicks’ head coaching vacancy before they ultimately selected Mike Brown. The extension keeps him in Chicago for what will be his sixth season since joining in 2020.
The decision reflects organizational confidence in Donovan despite mixed results during his Chicago Bulls tenure and significant roster turnover ahead of next season.
Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty ImagesDonovan’s Bulls tenure shows limited playoff success
Donovan’s Chicago record includes just one playoff appearance in five seasons. The Bulls reached the postseason in 2021-22 but were eliminated in the first round without advancing further.
Last season ended with a 39-43 record and play-in tournament elimination against the Miami Heat. The disappointing finish raised questions about the team’s direction under Donovan’s leadership.
The Bulls lost star guard Zach LaVine during last season and also parted ways with Lonzo Ball this offseason. These departures leave the roster without established star talent around which to build.
Giddey’s uncertain future adds another layer of complexity to Chicago’s roster construction. The franchise faces potential further talent drain if he departs.
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
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Fan reactions reveal widespread skepticism about extension
Bulls supporters expressed frustration with the organization’s decision to retain Donovan despite underwhelming results. Social media responses reflected disappointment with the franchise’s direction.
“I’m done being a fan,” one supporter wrote, highlighting the frustration with organizational decisions. “I’d bet they’re still the 10th seed next season,” another predicted, referencing Chicago’s recent mediocrity.
I’m done being a fan
— BillsMuse 🦈 (@BillsMusee) July 27, 2025
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“Good for Billy, questionable for Bulls,” another fan noted, acknowledging the personal benefit while questioning the team impact.
“My thoughts and prayers for Bulls fans,” one joked, capturing the sentiment of many supporters.
My thoughts and prayers for bulls fans
— 🇦🇺Archie (@ArchieBPistons) July 27, 2025
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Critics pointed to Donovan’s limited playoff success throughout his NBA coaching career. His only advancement beyond the first round came during his Oklahoma City tenure.
“I truly don’t get the fascination with him. Blew a 3-1 lead in the WCF with KD and Russ, and that was the only season he got out of the first round in his NBA coaching career,” one fan wrote, referencing his Thunder years.
I truly dont get the fascination with him. Blew a 3-1 lead in the WCF with KD and Russ, and that was the only szn he got out the first round in his nba coaching career. He stinks.
— JohnnyBoy (@LiveFrmCarolina) July 27, 2025
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Oklahoma City success under former assistant creates contrast
The Thunder’s recent championship under Mark Daigneault, Donovan’s former assistant, adds context to the extension decision.
Oklahoma City’s improvement occurred primarily after Donovan’s departure. During his tenure there, Donovan led OKC that had Kevin Durant to the conference finals in 2016 before lost to the Golden State Warriors.
Daigneault led the Thunder to an NBA title last season during their post-Donovan rebuild. The contrast between Oklahoma City’s championship and Chicago’s struggles raises questions about Donovan’s ability to maximize roster talent.
However, the Bulls organization apparently remains unconvinced that following Oklahoma City’s path of moving on from Donovan would benefit their situation.