Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Bulls head coach's job remains safe ... for now

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 11/27/23

The Chicago Bulls are one of the hottest topics in the NBA. Their aging roster is failing to produce on the court, and the front office is rumored to be considering a rebuild. However, it appears head coach Billy Donovan's job isn't on the line, despite a 5-13 start to the season.

In a recent article for NBC Sports Chicago, Bulls insider K.C. Johnson noted that Donovan's job is safe, but his staff could undergo some changes.

"Billy Donovan, who is liked and respected by both ownership and management and also has multiple years left on his extension," Johnson wrote. "While it has happened in recent situations like Fred Hoiberg and Jim Boylen, the Reinsdorfs typically don’t like paying coaches not to work for them. So Donovan is safe, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his staff tweaked moving forward."

The Bulls' 5-13 start is a collective organizational failure. But unlike some situations where executives or coaches are on the hot seat, the players know the burden of change likely will fall on them.

Column for @NBCSChicago: https://t.co/ekc5HxwP6X
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 27, 2023

Donovan's coaching has been under question in recent weeks. While it's clear the Bulls roster isn't conducive to competing at a high level, the team's overall failures still fall on Donovan's shoulders.

However, with rumors regarding a potential flurry of trades, Donovan could be absolved of blame.

After all, the coach isn't the one missing shots or putting in half-efforts on defense. He isn't the one missing rotations or stagnating in the half-court.

Of course, he is the one tasked with putting his team in a position to win. Everybody has something to own up to, including the head coach.

Perhaps Chicago believes Donovan could be revitalized with a new, younger roster. His time as a collegiate head coach should serve him well in developing younger talent and instilling a philosophy and culture. After all, he did win 502 of his 708 collegiate games as head coach.

Retaining the head coach makes sense in this instance. The Bulls will need an experienced hand to help navigate the coming years, regardless of when they choose to hit the reset button. Donovan is the ideal coach to help Chicago traverse the pitfalls of a rebuild. Fortunately for the Bulls, he's already on the staff.

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