Bulls coach Billy Donovan needs to get back to college hoops

The Chicago Bulls have been struggling this season, and it was evident during the final night of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament Group Stage. They were soundly defeated by the Celtics by a whopping 27 points, which highlighted the team’s shortcomings. It must have been disheartening for Bulls coach Billy Donovan to witness his team’s lackluster performance.

Donovan, a highly accomplished coach with a successful career in college basketball, has not been able to translate his success to the professional level. While he may be a better tactician than some of his counterparts, his coaching abilities have not been enough to turn the Bulls into a competitive team. Despite the NBA’s attempt to create an NCAA Tournament-like atmosphere, Donovan has not been able to guide his team into contention.

Not every college coach who transitions to the NBA has been as fortunate as Celtics President Brad Stevens. Rick Pitino, for example, was known for his ability to bounce back and forth between college and professional coaching. However, Donovan’s impact on the NBA has been overshadowed by his previous success in college basketball. During his time as the head coach of the Florida Gators, Donovan reached three Final Fours and won two national championships. He was considered one of the best coaches in the college game.

However, the past eight years have been a rollercoaster for Donovan, and it seems that his career in the NBA is coming to an end. The Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity for most of the millennium, and their current roster, led by players like DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Alex Caruso, has not been able to find success. With a 5-14 record, the Bulls are rapidly losing ground and heading towards a lackluster draft.

Given the team’s sluggish start, LaVine’s impending free agency, Lonzo Ball’s knee injury, and DeRozan’s advancing age, it is becoming clear that the Bulls are in need of a rebuild. However, Donovan has shown in the past that he wants nothing to do with a rebuilding job. This is ironic considering his background as a developmental coach. If he had played the long game during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he could have been coaching a team that is now ascending to the top of the Western Conference.

Donovan has made major career mistakes before, such as backing out of a deal to become the head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2007. A return to college basketball would give him the opportunity to regenerate his brand and find success once again. The college game has evolved significantly since 2015, with changes like the transfer portal and the influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. However, as a basketball teacher, Donovan would still be highly regarded.

On the other hand, there are numerous high-level college programs that would eagerly hire Donovan if he decided to return to the college ranks. Programs like Ohio State and Louisville, which are currently facing coaching challenges, could greatly benefit from his expertise. A move back to college basketball could be a win-win situation for Donovan, as he would have the opportunity to rebuild a program and escape the struggles he currently faces in the NBA.

In conclusion, it has become apparent that the Chicago Bulls are in need of a change, and Billy Donovan’s coaching abilities have not been enough to turn the team’s fortunes around. While he has had a successful career in college basketball, his impact in the NBA has been lackluster. It may be time for Donovan to consider a return to the college game, where he can regenerate his brand and find success once again. Only time will tell what the future holds for Donovan and the Bulls.