Billy Donovan has decided to exit as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons, sources told ESPN.
The Bulls made clear that the organization wanted Donovan back after making sweeping changes to their front office, but Donovan held an option in his contract for next season and elected to step down after extensive meetings with team ownership in the last week, sources told ESPN.
Donovan determined he wanted to give the team a clean break, provide the ability for the organization to undergo its front office search and allow their new top basketball executive to make the next coaching hire.
The Bulls fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on April 6 after a six-year run produced just one playoff appearance. Donovan held meetings with Bulls ownership over the last week and was offered to remain in Chicago for as long as he wanted, even in a new managerial capacity if he so desired, sources said.
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