The first domino expected to fall in the New Orleans Pelicans' offseason plans is the selection of the next head coach. Three names have been heavily linked to the Pelicans’ head coaching vacancy: James Borrego, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, and current Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley. Outside of those three, few other names have been linked to the vacancy.
However, it appears that a new candidate has emerged for New Orleans with Billy Donovan opting to leave the Chicago Bulls. Donovan is a long-time coach with success at the NBA level and two national championships during his time as the head coach of the University of Florida from 1996 to 2015.
BREAKING: Billy Donovan is exiting as head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PZQLdOcOSL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2026
After the Bulls decided to fire both their executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, and general manager Marc Eversley, they still planned to retain Donovan. But things didn't work out that way. After six seasons, he decided to step down as he felt it was best to let the next front office make their own head coaching hire.
Although this is unfortunate news for the Bulls, it gives the Pelicans another great option to pursue as they look to find their next bench boss. And New Orleans may have a leg up on the competition, as Donovan and Pelicans general manager Troy Weaver have a history dating back to their time together in Oklahoma City.
Donovan fits what the Pelicans need
When Donovan finally made the jump from Florida to the NBA, he was hired by the Thunder at the start of the 2015 offseason. He was brought in to help elevate a core centered around Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, with Troy Weaver playing a key role in bringing him to Oklahoma City as Sam Presti’s assistant general manager at the time.
That connection alone is likely to place Donovan as a serious candidate for the Pelicans coaching vacancy. But the reasons don't stop there.
Donovan is a coach who typically prioritizes winning over long-term development, no matter what his roster looks like, so he's likely looking for a team that can at least be competitive from the jump. This aligns with New Orleans front office thinking. At the team's end-of-season presser, Dumars made it clear he feels this team isn't far from being a good one and has real faith in this core.
A core centered around Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, and fun young pieces like Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, gives this group a ton of potential in 2026-27. Donovan has always done an excellent job adapting his style to whatever roster he has, but one thing that's been consistent is that he likes playing with pace. Over the last two seasons, Chicago has been in the top three in pace both years, using their speed and youth to their advantage.
That fast-paced style is a strong fit for the Pelicans, as in the 2025-26 season, this group was at its best when it got out and ran the open floor.
The Pelicans' front office has made it clear they want to be competitive next season, and hiring Billy Donovan would be a step in the right direction. His experience, reputation, style, and connections with Troy Weaver should shoot him to the top of the New Orleans coaching search.
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