New Deal Dobson: Donovan Gets Extension from Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have extended head coach Billy Donovan’s contract for a number of years, according to ESPN and AP reports.

The agreement will keep Donovan as head coach until at least the 2025-26 NBA season, but the exact term and financial specifics have not been disclosed. Negotiations began late in the previous season and went through the NBA draft and summer league. The New York Knicks allegedly requested permission to interview him, but the Bulls declined the request.

Donovan’s Track Record with the Bulls

Donovan, in his sixth season with Chicago, has a 195-205 record and has only led the team to one playoff appearance—a play-in defeat in 2022. The Bulls completed 39-43 in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, earning the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference but losing to Miami in the play-in round.

Donovan’s total record as an NBA head coach is 438-362 in 10 years, including five seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why the Bulls Committed Despite Mediocre Results

Chicago’s choice to extend Donovan demonstrates trust in his leadership and ability to oversee the team’s changing roster.

Donovan is poised for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction in September, highlighting his renowned stature in coaching circles.

The Bulls are reshaping their roster by trading veterans like DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Zach LaVine, indicating a focus on youth and future development. However, the front office still trusts Donovan to lead the rebuild.

Despite on-court issues, reports indicate that the franchise prioritizes institutional expertise, consistency, and leadership culture over short-term outcomes.

The Fanbase Reaction: Mixed Reviews

The extension has drawn polarized reactions from fans and analysts:

Critics criticize Donovan’s ability to improve the team’s performance, citing a poor record.

Supporters argue that continuity will assist a youthful team that has already gone through several coaching changes during Michael Jordan’s tenure.

In summary, supporters are divided: some regard the decision as premature retention, while others see it as vital continuity.

What Lies Ahead for Donovan & the Bulls

Short-Term Goals

Donovan’s staff will focus on player development and returning to Eastern prominence with a youthful team that includes Coby White, freshly acquired Isaac Okoro, and top draft selections like Noa Essengue.

He must transfer early-season gains into sustained postseason success, especially after two consecutive 39-win seasons.

Medium-term Strategy

Donovan’s deal indicates that the Bulls aim to develop around his approach, but this puts further weight on trades and front-office decisions to establish a winning core.

Long-Term Stakes

The Knicks’ decision to decline an interview with Donovan and sign him to a contract extension may indicate executive confidence in his long-term fit for the team.

The true test will come if the Bulls remain stagnant. Despite the private commitment, a third consecutive play-in exit might result in further pressure.

Final Takeaway: Stability Amid Uncertainty

The decision by Chicago to extend Billy Donovan sends a clear message: leadership stability beats reactive change. His record may not be impressive, but the Bulls’ front management appears to believe in his approach as the team focuses on rebuilding around youth and financial flexibility.

However, the way forward is limits. Donovan’s deal buys time, but failing to meet playoff standards—or failing to develop the young nucleus into rotation contributors—may reignite public outrage.

Basketball fans in Chicago must now wait and see whether this extension marks the beginning of a meaningful turnaround or merely prolongs disappointing outcomes with polished leadership.