Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons why Billy Donovan should be next HC

Billy Donovan, Chris Paul, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Billy Donovan, Chris Paul, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Billy Donovan (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Billy Donovan (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2) Why Chicago Bulls should hire Billy Donovan: Proven success at multiple levels

Not only was Donovan a proficient head coach during his five years in OKC, but he was one of the premier head coaches at the college level for two decades. Prior to taking the head coaching job with the Thunder, Donovan was the head coach of the Florida Gators basketball program for nearly 20 years.

Donovan originally took over as head coach of Florida hoops back during the 1996-97 season. By his third year at the helm in Gainsville, Donovan already got the Gators to the point of consistently sitting inside the AP Top 25 and making the NCAA Tournament. He won at least 20 games in all but his first, second, and final years with the Florida program.

During his time as a college hoops head coach (in two seasons with the Marshall Thundering Herd and the Gators), Donovan registered a record of 502-206 (.709 winning percentage). He was the SEC Coach of the Year on three occasions, won two National Championships, made four Final Fours, and won six SEC regular season titles, and won four SEC Tournament titles.

Donovan also coached up solid NBA talent during his time at Florida, such as former Bulls star center Joakim Noah, forward David Lee, and power forward Al Horford. He also helped to develop and utilize well players like big man Nerlens Noel, center Steven Adams, forward Jerami Grant, and combo guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.