Rick Pitino Sends Heartfelt Message After Death of Bulls Coach Billy Donovan's Father

Pitino, a close friend of the Donovan family, paid tribute to Billy Donovan Sr. after his passing.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan's father, Billy Donovan Sr., has passed away. Rick Pitino, who coached Donovan Jr. at Providence and Kentucky, shared a warm message honoring Donovan Sr. as a "Special Man in every sense of the word." Donovan Sr. was a key part of his son's life, supporting his basketball dreams and attending Bulls games with him.

Why it matters

The death of a parent is always a profound loss, especially for someone in the public eye like Billy Donovan. Pitino's message highlights the close relationship between the Donovan family and the basketball community, underscoring the human side of the sport.

The details

Donovan Sr. played college basketball at Boston College and scored over 1,000 career points. He was a constant presence in his son's life, taking him to New York Knicks games as a child and supporting his basketball dreams. Donovan Sr. said he felt "blessed" to be able to attend Bulls games and be a part of his son's coaching career.

  • Billy Donovan Sr. passed away in February 2026.

The players

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the St. John's basketball team and a close friend of the Donovan family, having coached Billy Donovan Jr. at Providence and Kentucky.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls and the son of the late Billy Donovan Sr.

Billy Donovan Sr.

The father of Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, who passed away in February 2026.

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What they’re saying

“They didn't come any better than Billy Donovan Sr. A Special Man in every sense of the word. RIP my friend! You're already in heaven.”

— Rick Pitino (X (formerly Twitter)

The takeaway

The outpouring of support for Billy Donovan and his family during this difficult time underscores the tight-knit nature of the basketball community and the importance of cherishing loved ones. Donovan Sr.'s legacy as a devoted father and supporter of his son's dreams will continue to inspire those who knew him.