Chicago honors Billy Donovan’s late father before Raptors game
on Thursday, Chicago Bulls are back in action from the All-Star break as they play at home against the Toronto Raptors. Head coach Billy Donovan was away taking care of his family after the recent death of his fatherBilly Donovan Sr.
Before the game, Bulls issued a tribute Donovan Sr., per ClutchPoints.
The Bulls honored the passing of Billy Donovan Sr., father of head coach Billy Donovan, before tonight’s game against the Raptors.
(via @DravesZachari) pic.twitter.com/ui1abaibg3
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2026
Billy Donovan Sr. was an exceptional player at Boston College, where he finished with 1,102 career points, the third-leading scorer in program history. He was a first lieutenant in the army.
Billy Jr. later took up basketball and played at Providence in college. In 1987, he was part of the team that reached the Final Four. Eventually, Billy Jr. would become the head coach at Florida and lead them to two consecutive NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007.
After his father’s death, colleagues such as Rick Pitino sent their good wishes. Meanwhile, the Bulls are 24-31 and in the midst of a six-game losing streak.
Donovan has been the head coach of the Bulls since the 2020/21 season. So far, he has compiled a record of 195-205. Additionally, Donovan led the Bulls to the 2022 NBA Playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.
Previously, Donovan was the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2020. He compiled a record of 243-157. His current overall NBA coaching record is 438-362. Donovan is 2025 inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Wes Unseld Jr. took over as interim head coach.
2026-02-20 02:11:00
