Bulls Have Ideal Head Coach Candidate If Donovan Departs

Tom Thibodeau could be the right fit to lead the team's quick turnaround.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the overlapping planes and perspectives of a basketball game, using bold colors to capture the intensity of the coaching decisions facing the Bulls organization.A cubist interpretation of the strategic chess match between coaches as the Bulls navigate a critical offseason.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bulls are still led by head coach Billy Donovan, but if he leaves, they have a familiar candidate waiting in the wings - Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau previously coached the Bulls from 2010-2015, leading the team to the playoffs in all five seasons and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Though some fans may be hesitant about bringing back Thibodeau, his experience and track record could be exactly what the franchise needs for a quick turnaround.

Why it matters

The Bulls are at a crossroads, having parted ways with their top basketball executives. Retaining Donovan is a priority, but if he departs, Thibodeau's history with the team and proven ability to quickly turn around a franchise make him an ideal candidate to provide the stability and standards the Bulls need.

The details

Thibodeau coached the Bulls from 2010-2015, leading the team to the playoffs in all five seasons and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in his first year. After being let go by the New York Knicks at the end of last season, where he took the team to the Eastern Conference Finals, Thibodeau is currently available. While some Bulls fans may be hesitant about bringing back a familiar face, his experience and track record of success could be exactly what the franchise needs as they look to quickly turn things around.

  • Thibodeau coached the Bulls from 2010-2015.
  • Thibodeau was let go by the New York Knicks at the end of last season.

The players

Billy Donovan

The current head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who the team wants to retain but may depart.

Tom Thibodeau

A former head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 2010-2015, who is currently available and could be an ideal candidate to lead the team if Donovan leaves.

Michael Reinsdorf

The president of the Chicago Bulls, who has made it clear the team wants to keep Donovan as head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Billy is a Hall of Fame coach who not only has my respect but the respect of the entire organization and locker room. While we will handle any conversations about the coaching staff the same way we always do at the end of the season, I wanted to be very clear: We want Billy to continue to be the coach of the Chicago Bulls.”

— Michael Reinsdorf, President, Chicago Bulls

What’s next

The Bulls will have to decide whether to retain Donovan as head coach or make a change at the end of the season.

The takeaway

Thibodeau's previous success with the Bulls and his availability make him an ideal candidate to provide the stability and standards the franchise needs if Donovan departs. His proven ability to quickly turn around a team could be exactly what the Bulls require as they look to rebound from a tumultuous offseason.