CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at the United Center on October 17, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
For now, the head coach position with the Bulls is secure.
In the NBA, one of the most talked-about teams is the Chicago Bulls. Their elderly lineup isn’t doing well on the court, and there are rumors that the front management is thinking about rebuilding.
Despite a 5-13 start to the season, head coach Billy Donovan’s job doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy.
Bulls source K.C. Johnson recently stated in an NBC Sports Chicago piece that while Donovan’s position is secure, there may be adjustments made to his staff.
In recent weeks, there has been doubt about Donovan’s coaching. Donovan is nonetheless responsible for the team’s overall shortcomings even if it is evident that the Bulls squad isn’t built to compete at a high level.
But given the speculation about a possible rush of trades, Donovan might escape punishment.
Ultimately, it isn’t the coach who is missing opportunities or playing defense with insufficient effort. It’s not him who is standing motionless in the half-court or missing rotations.
It is, of course, his responsibility to position his squad for victory. Even the head coach has some accountability to fulfill.
Chicago may feel that a younger, fresher lineup will help reinvigorate Donovan. He could benefit greatly from his experience as a collegiate head coach in terms of grooming new players and establishing a culture and philosophy. After all, in his 708 collegiate games as head coach, he did win 502 of them.
In this case, keeping the head coach makes sense. Regardless of when they decide to press the reset button, the Bulls will require an experienced hand to assist guide them over the upcoming years.
Donovan is the best coach Chicago could have to guide them through the challenges of rebuilding. Luckily for the Bulls, he is already employed.
