It's official, the New York Knicks coaching search is getting out of hand. Eight days after firing Tom Thibodeau, fresh off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, the Knicks have already requested to interview Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd, Houston Rockets' Ime Udoka, Minnesota Timberwolves' Chris Finch, and even Atlanta Hawks' Quinn Snyder, all to no avail.
However, New York's brash coaching search hasn't stopped with the previously mentioned, employed candidates. According to Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson, "The Knicks indeed contacted the Bulls to request permission to speak to Billy Donovan about their head coaching vacancy. And like other names… the Knicks were denied."
🚨 BREAKING: The Bulls deny the Knicks request to interview Billy Donovan for their coaching vacancy, per @KCJHoop. pic.twitter.com/WQhqWNUWdQ
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) June 12, 2025
Johnson elaborated, providing insight into Chicago's swift denial, stating, "The Bulls value Billy Donovan highly for his professionalism, coaching acumen, ability to connect with players, [and] his ability to represent the franchise." The Bulls' reporter also noted in a post on X, Chicago values Donovan's "ability to connect with players and all members of [the] organization."
The Knicks inexplicably had their sights set on Billy Donovan
What a turn of events it's been. The Knicks relinquished Thibodeau of head coaching duties not only on the heels of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, but following two consecutive 50-win seasons for the first time in 20 years. Thibodeau went 226-174, leading the Knicks to the sixth-best win percentage in franchise history. He finished fourth on the leaderboard in games coached and owned a 51.1 winning percentage in the playoffs.
Thibodeau played a crucial role in turning the Knicks into a contender after years of despair. New York hadn't made it past the Conference Semifinals since 1999. Firing the well-respected coach certainly came out of left field, but as always, with Thibodeau's coaching style came the concern of the longtime coach not utilizing his bench to the fullest extent—a differing style from the team that ended New York's season.
Coming off a 51-win season, it's strange the Knicks would reach out to Chicago to potentially poach Donovan, who has yet to eclipse 46 victories as the Bulls' lead man. Donovan holds a 48.8 win percentage with the Bulls and has one playoff victory to show for. His tenure in Oklahoma City was much better. Nevertheless, he only advanced past the opening round in the postseason once, in his first season as head coach with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook on the squad.
While Donovan hasn't been the most successful in the Windy City, he hasn't been dealt the best hand. Shoddy roster construction and unfortunate injuries have derailed the Bulls time and time again.
Perhaps New York's interest in Donovan stemmed from his adaptable approach and reliance on depth, a stark contrast from Thibodeau, who employed a similar coaching style for years, dating back to his days with the Bulls. All in all, it's bizarre that the Knicks would request to interview Donovan, especially after it was reported that the organization doubted Thibodeau's ability to lead New York to the NBA Finals—a triumph Donovan has never achieved.