Billy Donovan Quits As Bulls Coach

Billy Donovan Quits As Bulls Coach

Providence College great Billy Donovan has quit as the Coach of the Chicago Bulls

"After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold," Donovan said in a statement released by the team. "I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls, to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit."

"We wanted Billy to continue as our head coach -- that was never in question," Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. "But through honest conversations, we all agreed that giving our new Head of Basketball Operations the right to build out his staff was the most important thing for the future of this franchise. That is the kind of person Billy is -- he put the Bulls first. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organization."

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As the coach of the University of Florida, Donovan led the program to back-to-back National Championships.

As a Friar, he helped the Friars to the most unlikely Final Four appearance under coach Rick Pitino.

A column by GoLocal’s Kevin Stacom, a Friar great in his own right, wrote about how Donovan wanted to transfer.  READ — Billy Donovan Wanted to Transfer; No One Wanted Him

Read about Donovan's trip to the Hall of Fame.