Billy Donovan and the Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to part ways according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Donovan was not fired by the Thunder. Instead his contract was up and the two sides decided it would be best if the two sides parted ways.
ESPN Sources: Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan won’t be returning to the Thunder next season. Donovan’s contract expired at season’s end and the sides have decided against pursuing an extension.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
Seemingly against all odds the Thunder were the biggest surprise of the 2019-20 NBA season when they put up a 44-28 record and made the playoffs as the five seed in the West. That is why Donovan was nominated for Coach of the Year this past season. The Thunder were projected to have the 13th best record in the West coming into the season.
Donovan was hired by the Thunder to be their head coach in 2015 to replace Scott Brooks. Before that he the head coach at Florida for 19 years. During his time at Florida, Donovan won back to back National Championships in 2006 and 2007. He had a .608 record in the NBA throughout his five seasons with the Thunder posting 243 wins and 157 losses.
Donovan may not need to wait long in order to find a new team as the Chicago Bulls are already rumored to have an interest in Donovan to fill their vacancy at head coach.
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