Boston College Star Bill Donovan, Father of Bulls Coach, Dies

Bill Donovan, a Boston College Hall of Famer and father of Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, has passed away at the age of 85.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:39am

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Bill Donovan, a former basketball star at Boston College who later became the father of Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, has died at the age of 85. Donovan captained the Boston College basketball team and graduated in 1962 as the school's third all-time leading scorer. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was married to his high school sweetheart for 63 years, with whom he had three children including Billy Donovan.

Why it matters

Bill Donovan's basketball accomplishments and his role as the father of a prominent NBA coach make his passing noteworthy in the sports world. His story highlights the intergenerational connections in basketball and the lasting impact that student-athletes can have, both on and off the court.

The details

According to the obituary posted by Williams-Thomas Funeral Home in Gainesville, Florida, Bill Donovan died on Saturday, February 15, 2026. Donovan was a native of Queens, New York and captained the Boston College basketball team, graduating in 1962 as the school's third all-time leading scorer. After his playing career, Donovan served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was married to his high school sweetheart, Joan, for 63 years. Together they had three children, including their son Billy Donovan, the current head coach of the Chicago Bulls.

  • Bill Donovan died on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Donovan graduated from Boston College in 1962.

The players

Bill Donovan

A former basketball star at Boston College who was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. He later became the father of current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan.

Billy Donovan

The current head coach of the Chicago Bulls and son of the late Bill Donovan. Billy Donovan played college basketball at Providence and later coached the University of Florida to two national championships.

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The takeaway

Bill Donovan's legacy as a standout college basketball player and the father of a successful NBA coach underscores the lasting impact that student-athletes can have, both on and off the court. His story serves as a reminder of the intergenerational connections that exist in the sport of basketball.