Coach Billy Donovan quits Chicago Bulls, goes on to list Lincoln Park home for $4.5M

Former Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan has stepped down after six seasons, ESPN reported. According to the Chicago Tribune, he listed his Lincoln Park house for $4.5 million. The move comes amid major team changes.

The Bulls announced Donovan's decision on Tuesday. ESPN confirms that the team wanted him to stay, but ultimately respected his choice. Donovan, 60, used a contract option to leave after talks with owners.

Mutual respect amid Bulls overhaul

"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 team statement, per ESPN.

"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."

According to ESPN, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said, “We wanted Billy Donovan to continue as our head coach -- that was never in question.”

Read more on Chicago Star

• Brittany Mahomes eyes payday as her Kansas City Current soccer team hits $325M valuation 

• Tesla delivers earnings surprise—TSLA stock soars after Q1 2021 earnings beat

• Raiders land top quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft

• NASA Standard Initiator that powered Artemis II named “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”

• Get ready, players: Midwest Gaming Classic celebrates 25 years in Milwaukee with 10K games

He added in the statement, “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.”

The team reportedly fired executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley on Monday, April 6, ESPN reported. Over six years, Donovan's Bulls went 226-256 with just one playoff run, the report confirmed. 

Donovan, a Naismith Hall of Fame inductee in 2025, plans to coach again, ESPN noted. The Bulls seek a new top executive, eyeing candidates like Minnesota's Matt Lloyd and others.

Lincoln Park luxury pad hits market

According to the Chicago Tribune, Donovan and wife Christine bought the 5,200-square-foot, luxury Chicago home for $3.5 million in 2021. The six-bedroom limestone house reportedly has five full baths and two half baths.

Features include two fireplaces, an elevator, and a custom staircase, the Tribune reported. The kitchen also boasts Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Further, the primary suite offers a steam shower and soaking tub. 

The Tribune confirmed that the roof deck also has a pergola and an outdoor fireplace. Property taxes hit $67,442 last year, the report added. Listing agent Paul Gorney of eXp Realty handled the sale, said the Tribune, which added that the realtor couldn’t be reached for comment.

"My gratitude for this community and this organization is permanent," Donovan said in his statement, per ESPN. 

His Bulls tenure ends as the team rebuilds, and the franchise eyes a fresh start before the draft combine in mid-May.