The New York Knicks have expressed interest in head coach Billy Donovan but will need to search for other candidates as the Chicago Bulls have denied their request to interview him. Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported that the franchise holds Donovan in high regard, recognizing his expertise in coaching, strong communication abilities, and his capacity to connect with players and staff alike.
Billy Donovan, 60, has been a prominent figure in the NBA since 2015, first coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2020 before taking the helm at the Bulls in 2020. Over his career, he has coached 800 games, tallying a record of 438 wins against 362 losses. His time with the Thunder was marked by playoff appearances for all five seasons, although they faced early exits, losing in the first round on four occasions after reaching the conference finals in 2016. Meanwhile, during his tenure with the Bulls, the team has made the playoffs just once and has missed out in the last three seasons.
Earlier this year, Donovan’s stellar career was acknowledged with his induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame, celebrating his impactful 19-year stint at the University of Florida, where he secured two national championships (2006, 2007) and several significant accolades including six SEC regular-season championships and four SEC Tournament titles.
Despite the Knicks’ setback in trying to secure Donovan, it is worth noting that there are many other capable candidates available in the coaching market. Teams often experience changes in leadership, fostering new opportunities for both the organizations and their players. As the search continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who the Knicks approach next.