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March 28, 2026, 9:01 a.m. ET
Billy Donovan, head coach for the Chicago Bulls, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the North Carolina head coaching vacancy following Hubert Davis’s dismissal, and he did not dismiss the idea of being interested.
When questioned about his interest in the UNC role, Donovan responded calmly, stressing that his immediate priority remains coaching the Bulls through the current season.
“My primary focus is on these players and this newly formed team,” Donovan stated ahead of the Bulls’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. “I’m aware of the discussions and the inevitable speculation. However, I must dedicate my attention to this group, and truly, my efforts are concentrated on our activities here in Chicago, our game tonight, and our travel for a back-to-back.”
Prior to joining the NBA as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s head coach in 2015, Donovan was a prominent figure in college basketball, guiding the University of Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007, alongside five Final Four appearances.
Nonetheless, the landscape of college athletics has evolved significantly in the 11 years since Donovan departed. Notably, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules became fully active for the 2021-22 season, and the transfer portal was introduced the season prior.
Despite these shifts in culture, North Carolina boasts robust NIL support and a national recruiting reach, factors that could enable Donovan to swiftly assemble a championship-contending team.
“Over the years, many college personnel have contacted me to discuss things,” Donovan shared. “Dealing with players who are now compensated is a different dynamic. I also believe the NBA’s current cycle is vastly different from college basketball’s. My focus is on my current responsibilities. As with anything, the game of basketball is constantly changing.”
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