Bulls CEO Reinsdorf Outlines Requirements for Next GM

Reinsdorf says new head of basketball operations must be sold on retaining coach Billy Donovan.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:21pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold strokes of neon orange, electric blue, and vibrant yellow, capturing the dynamic movement and intensity of a professional basketball game.The Bulls' leadership shakeup signals a renewed commitment to building a winning culture around head coach Billy Donovan.Chicago Today

Chicago Bulls CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf outlined the key qualities he is looking for in the team's next head of basketball operations, including one major requirement - the new hire must be committed to retaining head coach Billy Donovan. Reinsdorf said he will not consider any candidates who are not 'sold on Billy' and his coaching abilities. The Bulls are searching for a new top decision-maker after firing VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley earlier this week.

Why it matters

The Bulls are at a critical juncture after missing the playoffs again this season. Reinsdorf's insistence on retaining Donovan as head coach suggests the organization views him as a key part of their future plans, despite the team's struggles. The new hire will have a major influence on the Bulls' direction as they look to build a 'real and sustainable winner' after years of failed short-term fixes.

The details

Reinsdorf said he will not hire a new head of basketball operations unless that person is 'sold on Billy' Donovan as the team's head coach. Donovan is scheduled to meet with ownership after the season finale to discuss his future. Reinsdorf plans to push Donovan to have more involvement in personnel decisions going forward. The Bulls fired VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley this week, citing a need for a 'new direction' despite the team's abundance of cap space and potential lottery picks this offseason.

  • The Bulls' season finale is this Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Donovan is scheduled to meet with Bulls ownership the day after the season finale.

The players

Michael Reinsdorf

The CEO and president of the Chicago Bulls, who is overseeing the search for a new head of basketball operations after firing the previous leadership.

Billy Donovan

The current head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who Reinsdorf says must be retained by the team's next top decision-maker.

Arturas Karnisovas

The former vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls, who was fired this week.

Marc Eversley

The former general manager of the Chicago Bulls, who was fired this week alongside Karnisovas.

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What they’re saying

“If I interview someone and they're not sold on Billy, they're not sold on a Hall of Fame coach, they're not sold on a person who's won championships in college, who's gone deep in the playoffs with Oklahoma City. ... If Billy wants to be our coach and someone's not interested in that, then they're probably not the right candidate for us.”

— Michael Reinsdorf, CEO and President, Chicago Bulls

What’s next

Reinsdorf confirmed the Bulls will engage a search firm to help find Karnisovas' replacement as the team's new head of basketball operations. The new hire will be tasked with building a 'real and sustainable winner' in Chicago.

The takeaway

Reinsdorf's insistence on retaining Billy Donovan as head coach suggests the Bulls view him as a key part of their future plans, despite the team's recent struggles. The new head of basketball operations will have to be fully committed to Donovan in order to land the job, signaling the organization's belief that he can help turn the team around with the right supporting cast.