The Chicago Bulls’ head coach, Billy Donovan, has long been respected in both college and professional basketball circles. So much so that his insight played a surprising role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent hunt for a new head coach.
This summer, the Lakers were in the market to replace Darvin Ham, and their shortlist included some intriguing options. High-profile names like former NBA sharpshooter J.J. Redick and UConn’s head coach Dan Hurley were considered as potential candidates. The Lakers eventually went with Redick, but not before making a strong pitch to Hurley, reportedly offering him a staggering $70 million contract over six years.
For Hurley, leaving UConn, where he has been building a powerhouse program, was no easy decision. The opportunity to lead one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises doesn’t come around often. Torn between staying in college or making the leap to the NBA, Hurley turned to several confidants for advice. One of those advisors was Billy Donovan, who knows a thing or two about transitioning from the college ranks to the pros.
Donovan, who led the Florida Gators to consecutive NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, faced a similar dilemma earlier in his career. After initially accepting a position with the Orlando Magic in 2007, he backed out just days later, opting to remain at Florida for several more years before finally making the jump to the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015. He’s been with the Bulls since 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and insight to his role.
Hurley sought Donovan’s perspective on the potential move, focusing less on the specifics of the Lakers’ roster and more on the broader challenges of coaching in the NBA versus college. As reported by CT Insider’s David Borges, Donovan emphasized the contrasting dynamics between the two levels and the unique pressures that come with each.
“We didn’t really dive into the specifics of the Lakers or their players,” Donovan noted. “I think it was important for Danny to go through the process himself and understand the organization from his own perspective. I couldn’t offer much on the inner workings of the Lakers, but I could share my experiences with making the transition.”
Hurley ultimately decided to stay at UConn, citing the greater control he has over his program in the college setting. “Right now, college coaching is where I’m at my best,” Hurley said. “I get to shape my own destiny—selecting my players, hiring my staff, scheduling our games. I have a level of autonomy that’s hard to find in the NBA.”
As for Donovan, he’s gearing up for a pivotal season with the Bulls. With a revamped roster and high expectations, the veteran coach will have his own set of challenges to navigate. How he manages playing time and develops his team will be crucial as the Bulls look to make a deeper playoff run.
In the end, while Donovan may not have been directly involved in the Lakers’ decision-making process, his experience and advice were instrumental in guiding a fellow coach through a tough professional crossroads. Now, both Donovan and Hurley are poised to face their respective seasons with renewed focus and determination.
