Donovan is a solid hire by the Chicago Bulls (Kim Klement - USA Today Sports)
Donovan is a solid hire by the Chicago Bulls (Kim Klement - USA Today Sports)

Billy Donovan will become Chicago Bulls next coach


by - Senior Editor -

Finally the Chicago Bulls have a new leader in place.

Former Oklahoma City Thunders head coach Billy Donovan has agreed to a deal to become the next head coach of the Bulls.

According to ESPN, VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas sold Donovan on a talented roster and a historic franchise to lead.

"We are very pleased to welcome Billy and his family to the Chicago Bulls," Karnisovas said in a statement. "The success that he has sustained over the course of his coaching career puts him on a different level. 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."

In five seasons, Donovan was 243-157 (.608 winning percentage) as the Thunders coach and led them to the playoffs five straight seasons. However, the team and coach mutually parted ways after an early first round exit this season.

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

Zach LaVine had the following take about the new coach on Facebook Gaming:

"Oh damn we got Billy Donovan as our coach. Wow. That will be good. Really good coach."

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