Bulls May Promote Assistant Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Head Coach

Current head coach Billy Donovan's future with the team remains uncertain after another disappointing season.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly considering promoting assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. to be the team's new head coach for next season, as current head coach Billy Donovan's future with the organization remains uncertain following another underwhelming year for the team.

Why it matters

The Bulls have struggled to find consistent success in recent seasons, missing the playoffs again this year. Promoting from within could provide stability, while Donovan moving to a front office role could allow the team to reshape its leadership and direction.

The details

According to reports, the Bulls are expected to either part ways with Donovan or offer him a different role within the organization, such as a front office position. If Donovan departs, assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr. is seen as the leading candidate to be promoted to head coach, as the entire coaching staff is currently under contract for at least next season.

  • The Bulls are expected to make a decision on Donovan's future in the next two weeks.

The players

Wes Unseld Jr.

A Bulls assistant coach who is the reported leading candidate to be promoted to head coach if the team parts ways with Billy Donovan.

Billy Donovan

The current head coach of the Chicago Bulls, whose future with the team remains uncertain after another disappointing season.

Arturas Karnisovas

The Bulls' vice president of basketball operations, who could be involved in decisions about the team's coaching staff for next season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is a real likelihood that the Bulls are conducting a coaching search in less than two weeks or simply promoting Wes Unseld Jr., since the coaching staff is all under contract through at least next season.”

— Joe Cowley, Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times

“The other option recently reported by the Sun-Times is that Donovan stays with the Bulls and is given a choice of coaching while building a new front office to his liking, or takes the Brad Stevens path and moves into a front-office role.”

— Joe Cowley, Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times

“The latter is a stretch considering how much Donovan still enjoys coaching.”

— Joe Cowley, Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times

What’s next

The Bulls are expected to make a decision on Donovan's future in the next two weeks, which could lead to Wes Unseld Jr. being promoted to head coach.

The takeaway

The Bulls' coaching situation remains in flux, with the team potentially moving on from Donovan and promoting from within by elevating assistant Wes Unseld Jr. to head coach. This could provide stability and a fresh start for the organization as it looks to turn around its recent struggles.