Chicago Bulls' Billy Donovan Might Officially Be UNC's Top Candidate

Two names have been talked about more than any other for the opening at North Carolina: Arizona's Tommy Lloyd and the Chicago Bulls' Billy Donovan.

Considering the more recent college experience and the ongoing Final Four run, Lloyd had been primarily viewed as the leading candidate. He even raised some eyebrows with his recent commentary, stating that Arizona would continue to have a great head coach even after he was gone.

Nevertheless, while the signs were pointing in his direction, Lloyd has officially turned the Tar Heels away. Lloyd announced during a press conference at the Final Four that he will remain with the Arizona Wildcats. The school proceeded to announce that he had reached an extension through 2031. Matt Norlander of CBS reported that he was the No. 1 option on the Tar Heels' list, and they were prepared to offer him a top-two contract in college basketball. Lloyd will take slightly less money to remain in Arizona.

Are the Stars Now Aligned for Billy Donovan at the Tar Heels?

Billy Donovan and the Chicago Bulls — Apr 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Billy Donovan has been tied heavily to the UNC opening. And, unlike when there was previous interest in the head coach from the New York Knicks and Kentucky Wildcats, Donovan has not been as quick to rebuff the rumors. To be sure, he has expressed a focus on the here and now, but there appears to be an opening for him to revisit his status with the Bulls this summer.

No one could blame Donovan for batting his eyes at UNC. Chicago's front office has repeatedly failed to build a competitive roster for the respected head coach. They also took a stick of dynamite to the team at the current trade deadline, creating a potentially natural exit for Donovan this summer as they look to re-invent the roster yet again.

The reports also keep coming that UNC might be on Donovan's mind. Pat Forde of SI recently noted that the Tar Heels have long been considered the one program the veteran leader would consider taking over. This has reportedly been the case during both his days at Florida and during his NBA career.

To be sure, ditching the NBA and the loyalty he has been given in Chicago could be difficult. The Bulls have made it very clear over the years that they have complete and utter faith in the HOF head coach. Likewise, if he were ever interested in taking a step back from coaching, the Bulls sure feel like the kind of franchise that would welcome him into an upstairs role.

Money talks, though, and we now know that UNC was willing to write a massive check to lure Tommy Lloyd away from Arizona. Would they be willing to give Donovan a similar number? If so, any decision to depart the Bulls' rebuild could be made that much easier.

If one thing is for sure, it's unlikely that we get an answer on where Donovan stands until the season wraps up. Someone known for his professionalism, it's hard to imagine he engages with anything until after April 12. For what it's worth, this timeline felt like a potential hurdle before, but Lloyd's decision to take his name out of the running may have made UNC willing to practice more patience.

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