March 28, 2026, 9:01 a.m. ET
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is without doubt one of the names that has floated round since North Carolina opened its head coaching place by firing Hubert Davis, and he didn’t deny having curiosity.
Donovan, when requested about his curiosity in UNC, stored his tone measured and reiterated that he’s targeted on coaching the Bulls for the remainder of the season.
“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan mentioned earlier than the Bulls confronted the Philadelphia 76ers. “I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But, I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we’re doing here in Chicago, having a game tonight, and traveling to go and play in a back-to-back.”
Before he entered the NBA ranks as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, he was one in every of school basketball’s most high-profile coaches, main the University of Florida to consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007 and 5 Final Four appearances.
However, lots has modified in the 11 years since Donovan left the school recreation. For starters, NIL got here into full impact at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, and the switch portal went into impact the season earlier than.
Despite the tradition change, North Carolina has stable NIL backing and the nationwide recruiting attain that would enable him to construct a championship contender rapidly.
“Over the years, I’ve had a lot of college guys reach out to talk to me,” Donovan mentioned. “It’s different in dealing with players who are being paid now. I also think the cycle of the NBA today is totally different than the cycle of college. I’m focused on what I have to do right now. Like anything else, things are always changing in the game of basketball.”
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our web page on Facebook to observe ongoing protection of North Carolina Tar Heels information, notes and opinions.
