Spurs’ Billy Donovan opens up on continuing career after Bulls stint

Billy Donovan thought he was going to spend the next year away from basketball. Instead, the longtime coach is beginning a new chapter with the San Antonio Spurs, joining Mitch Johnson’s staff after his time with the Chicago Bulls came to an end.

Speaking with Olivia Eisenhauer of WCJB TV20 News, Donovan opened up about the circumstances that led him from Chicago to San Antonio. While he said he enjoyed his time with the Bulls and appreciated the organization’s ownership group, Donovan believed a change in the front office should come with the freedom to build its own coaching staff.

“I loved my time in Chicago. I loved the ownership group,” Donovan said. “They were very kind and offered me an opportunity to stay on as the coach, offered me an opportunity to even move into the front office.”

Billy Donovan on why joining the Spurs in July 2026 after stepping down as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls in April 2026 was the right time:

“I just felt that with a new front office coming in that person should have the freedom to choose their own coach…I went in with the… pic.twitter.com/WSXp2ZY5f5

— Olivia Eisenhauer (@oeisenhauertv) August 31, 2026

However, Donovan said the Bulls needed to bring in a new front office, and he felt the incoming leadership deserved the opportunity to shape the organization as it saw fit.

“I just felt like, you know, with a new front office coming in, that person should have the freedom to choose their coach and build out the organization how they fit, which was fine,” he explained.

The veteran coach initially expected to take a break from basketball. He planned to spend time in Florida, visiting family and enjoying a year away from the demands of the NBA.

That changed when San Antonio reached out during the playoffs. Donovan said there was uncertainty about whether the Spurs could lose members of their coaching staff, eventually leading to conversations about a potential opportunity.

After speaking with Johnson, the former player-turned-coach saw a chance to remain involved in the game while taking on a different role. “I got a lot of respect for him,” Donovan said of the Spurs head coach. “I’m just hoping that in some way I can help and bring value.”

The move represents a new experience for Donovan, who has spent much of his coaching career in charge. Having been a head coach since he was 28 years old, he said he has benefited from the guidance of countless coaches throughout his journey.

Now, Donovan hopes his experience can help the next generation. “Maybe, you know, this is a way to be able to give back,” Donovan said. “I’m excited about it, looking forward to it. And hopefully, I can bring some value and help.”