Billy Donovan has officially stepped down as head coach of the Chicago Bulls. Now, the organization has another critical question to answer — who will replace him?
Before that issue can be resolved, the Bulls need to find a new head of basketball operations to replace the now-departed duo of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley. One step at a time, right?
But sifting through prospective coaches is usually a more enjoyable exercise than running down a list of executives. Would you rather argue about Jon Scheyer leaving Duke for the Windy City, for instance, or Dennis Lindsey leaving Detroit’s front office to run the Bulls?
One of those discussions is more juicy than the other.
In that vein, here are five rising stars in the coaching business ideally suited to guide a young roster back to playoff relevancy.
Billy Donovan steps down as Chicago Bulls head coach
When the Bulls let go of Karnisovas and Eversley, Donovan's future with the organization was immediately in doubt. But CEO Michael Reinsdorf made it clear the 60-year-old had a place in Chicago if he wanted it, whether on the sidelines or in the front office.
Ultimately, Donovan decided it was time to move on and let a new voice lead the franchise.
We've already outlined a list of potential execs who could take over that role. What about coaches who could take over for Donovan?
5 emerging young coaches who could be Bulls' Billy Donovan replacement
Each member of this quintet would be a first-time NBA head coach if they were to accept the job in Chicago. But Charles Lee (Hornets), Joe Mazzulla (Celtics) and Jordan Ott (Suns) have proven that that can be an asset rather than a hindrance.
Using input from coaches, scouts, agents and executives, Eric Nehm and Fred Katz of The Athletic compiled a list of head coaching candidates who have never led the bench. Brief scouting reports for this story come from, in part, Nehm and Katz.
Mike Wilks, Oklahoma City Thunder
Wilks actually spent time under Donovan in Oklahoma City. After a seven-year career in The League, the 46-year-old Milwaukee native has experienced every stage of the Thunder rebuild that the Bulls are hoping to duplicate.
Sean Sweeney, San Antonio Spurs
There's nothing left for Sweeney to do as an assistant. He's been a major part of the Spurs' run this season and has also spent time with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee and Luka Doncic in Dallas.
Sweeney, just 41, was the coach people around the league mentioned most to Nehm and Katz.
Jarrett Jack, Detroit Pistons
Jack had a standout career at Georgia Tech before playing 13 years in the NBA. Cade Cunningham credits Jack for helping him learn to be a floor general, not just a point guard.
The 42-year-old helped create the culture of physicality that led Detroit to the best record in the Eastern Conference this season.
Jon Scheyer, Duke Blue Devils
Scheyer is the only college coach on this list and would be an out-of-the-box hire, but that doesn't mean he isn't qualified.
The 38-year-old replaced Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski in 2022 and has done nothing but recruit and develop NBA players since. He gives off Brad Stevens vibes on the sidelines in Durham.
Josh Longstaff, Charlotte Hornets
As a veteran on Lee's first-time staff, Longstaff helped turn a depressing Hornets franchise into one of the best stories in the NBA this season.
That's exactly what Chicago is hoping to become. Longstaff, a former Bulls assistant, knows how to get there.
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