Chicago Bulls hire Billy Donovan as head coach

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Billy Donovan

Billy Donovan has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls to become their new head coach, the team announced today.

Donovan parted ways with the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this month following their playoff elimination by the Houston Rockets in the first round. 

The 55-year-old coached the Thunder for five seasons, making the playoffs each year. He posted a record of 243-157 (.608) in 400 games and a playoff record of 18-23 (43.9%) in 41 games.

"We are very pleased to welcome Billy and his family to the Chicago Bulls. The success that he has sustained over the course of his coaching career puts him on a different level," said Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President – Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas.

"We feel his ability to help his players reach their potential, both individually and collectively, will mesh well with our roster. Whether as a player or as a coach, he has won everywhere his career has taken him, and we hope that will continue here in Chicago."

The Bulls are in the midst of a rebuild, coming off a season where they finished 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 22-43 record and have not made the playoffs since 2016-17.

"I want to thank Jerry, Michael, Arturas and Marc for the opportunity to coach the Chicago Bulls," Donovan said.

"I also want to thank them for the time and effort they put into this hiring process. I'm excited to partner with Arturas as we work together on behalf of this historic franchise," 

Prior to his run with the Thunder, Donovan coached the University of Florida for 19 seasons, winning two national championships and making four Final Four appearances.

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