Is even a high salary not enough to keep him? Insiders are urging Billy Donovan to leave the Chicago Bulls, with a move to coach at the University of North Carolina seen as an appealing option — the discussion is heating up.

There are few certainties within the Chicago Bulls—and the future of head coach Billy Donovan is certainly one of them. Recently, Donovan has been linked to the head coaching vacancy at North Carolina Tar Heels. Given the Bulls’ ongoing instability, a return to the college game—where his legacy was built—could be a strategic move.

North Carolina is currently in transition after Hubert Davis stepped down following an early NCAA Tournament exit. While Donovan has remained non-committal publicly, insiders suggest strong encouragement from those around him to leave Chicago and explore new opportunities.

The reasoning is clear. Over six seasons with the Bulls, Donovan has endured a difficult rebuild. The team has made the playoffs only once (2022), exiting in the first round, and has struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and roster instability. In recent seasons, they have failed to reach even 40 wins, raising questions about the franchise’s direction.

That said, Donovan’s résumé includes notable NBA success. During his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he compiled a strong record and led the team to the 2016 Western Conference Finals, coaching stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

However, his greatest achievements came at the collegiate level. At Florida Gators, Donovan built a powerhouse program, reaching four Final Fours and winning back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. His reputation as a recruiter and developer of young talent remains one of his strongest assets.

In today’s evolving college basketball landscape—shaped by NIL deals and transfer rules—Donovan’s dual experience in both NBA and NCAA systems could make him uniquely qualified.

Ultimately, with limited upward mobility in Chicago, a return to college basketball may not just be an option—it could be the ideal next chapter.