The Chicago Bulls recently announced their new head coach in Billy Donovan. The 55-year-old did not remain jobless for too long after parting ways with the Oklahoma City Thunder just a couple of weeks ago.
Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reports that Donovan was blown away by his sit-down with the new Bulls front office. This, as much as his interest in the young core, is what sold him on the job:
According to one person with knowledge of the negotiations, Donovan came away impressed as much with [Arturas] Karnišovas and new general manager Marc Eversley as he was with the job they were selling him. After the two sides concluded the interview process, there was a shared feeling that the marriage was a natural fit.
Donovan is clearly buying what Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley are selling. The Bulls have been one of the worst teams in the NBA over the last few years, but this new front office clearly has a shining vision for the future. By bringing Donovan on board to help execute this vision, Chicago supporters have something to get excited about again.
Donovan had zero coaching experience in the NBA when he was hired by the Thunder organization in 2015. He spent five seasons with the squad, amassing a very impressive 243-157 win-loss record. That's good for a .608 winning percentage, which is not something that you see very often from a new coach.
Donovan led the Thunder to five consecutive playoff appearances, including that memorable trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2016. He hopes to bring the same winning mentality to a Bulls side teeming with untapped potential.