Evaluating Whether or Not Billy Donovan Makes Sense for UNC

Donovan has been brought up as a candidate for the open UNC position.

Oct 28, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Bill Donovan on the sideline in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Amidst all of the rumors surrounding UNC’s head coaching search, one name that has come up several times is Billy Donovan, who is currently the head coach of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls.

Donovan’s name has come up alongside the likes of Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd and Michigan’s Dusty May as potential candidates to replace Hubert Davis, who was fired by UNC last month after five seasons with the team and a disappointing finish in this season’s NCAA Tournament, losing to VCU in the Round of 64. 

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis instructs his team against the VCU Rams in the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Donovan Has Remained Top Candidate

In a few ways, Donovan is a bit of an unconventional choice to take the country's most coveted college basketball job, but one that also makes sense. Many people nowadays know Donovan from his time as an NBA head coach, currently serving as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls since 2020, and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2020. 

Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

However, prior to his days in the NBA, Donovan was a very successful NCAA head coach, serving as Marshall's coach from 1994 to 1996 and Florida's from 1996 to 2015. Donovan is one of the more decorated NCAA head coaches in recent memory.

College Resume Speaks for Itself

His resume in the NCAA includes a 502-206 all-time record, two National Championships (2006, 2007), four Final Four appearances (2000, 2006, 2007, 2014), four SEC tournament championships (2005, 2006, 2007, 2014), six SEC regular season titles (2000, 2001, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014), three SEC Coach of the Year awards (2011, 2013, 2014), and a SoCon Coach of the Year award in 1995. 

Mar 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs the team against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

In the present day, Donovan’s Bulls haven’t played well. In six seasons with Chicago, the Bulls are 224-251 under Donovan’s watch, and have seen their record steadily get worse in each season since 2021-22.

Donovan hasn’t been a bad NBA coach by any means, but with UNC in need of a new face and the Bulls likely to soon head in a different direction, the two appear to be on a collision course to unite in Chapel Hill in the near future.

Nov 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Although Donovan hasn’t coached in the NCAA in over a decade, he could be a significant help to a program in need of a jolt after five underwhelming seasons under Hubert Davis’ watch. If the Tar Heels can land a head coach with the collegiate resume of that of Donovan’s, it’ll put them back in position to compete for a national title year in and year out, and will help reshape the once prominent brand of UNC basketball.