Latest Report on Knicks' Interest in Bulls Coach Billy Donovan

The New York Knicks still have their head coach vacancy to fill after firing Tom Thibodeau

Apr 16, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA;Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan gestures during the first quarter of a game against the Miami Heat at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Tom Thibodeau was fired from the New York Knicks after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals, and many thought that they had a plan or a hire lined up immediately. A little over a week later, five current coaches have been denied permission to speak with the Knicks regarding their vacant head coaching position.

Hawks "firmly denied" the Knicks request to speak to HC Quin Snyder, per @ShamsCharania

NY's HC search continues pic.twitter.com/E029FFFKNg

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2025

The Bulls had a promising end to the 2024-2025 regular season, finishing 17-10 after the All-Star break in February to reach another Play-In Tournament spot. They placed 9th in the Eastern Conference but lost in the first game of the Play-In to the Miami Heat.

Josh Giddey had his best year of his career so far, Coby White took a leap offensively, Lonzo Ball made his return to the court after two years, and Matas Buzelis grew into a promising player by the end of the season.

The Knicks requested permission to speak to Billy Donovan but were denied, per @KCJHoop pic.twitter.com/Ilsd8deRvs

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 12, 2025

The Knicks have made their rounds across the league, requesting permission to speak with multiple veteran coaches, and inquired about Billy Donovan in Chicago. They were denied, but K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network recently spoke on New York's desire to keep pursuing the Bulls' head coach.

"There are some whispers out there in the league tonight that the Knicks could circle back."@KCJHoop joins @camronsmith and @DavidHaugh on The Chicago Lead with the latest on the Bulls denying the Knicks' request to interview Billy Donovan. pic.twitter.com/TOl0NZfNei

— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) June 12, 2025

"There are some whispers out there in the league tonight that the Knicks could circle back," Johnson said.

"They don't really believe that it's a firm no. There might be some wiggle room...the Bulls did initially deny permission because they are in love with the job Billy Donovan is doing for them," he continued to say.

Billy Donovan is from Long Island and has ties to New York, with his good friend Maurice Cheeks already on the Knicks coaching staff, and having coached Jalen Brunson for Team USA in the 2014 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

Donovan will be enshrined into the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September.

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