It has been relatively quiet on the NBA’s coaching carousel, with the Chicago Bulls joining the the New Orleans Pelicans (Willie Green in November) and the Milwaukee Bucks (Doc Rivers in April) as the only franchises so far to make a change, when Billy Donovan decided he did not want to return after six seasons at the helm.
Let’s examine the three positions currently available, the pros and cons of each situation and who could step in this offseason, starting in Chicago, where Donovan isn’t the only one who needs to be replaced.
Chicago Bulls
2025-26 record: 31-51
Previous coach: Billy Donovan (stepped down April 21)
Lead executive: None (Arturas Karnisovas fired April 6)
Why this job is open: After the season ended, ownership made it abundantly clear that if Donovan wanted, he’d remain in the job. However, after a series of family situations he dealt with during the season and facing the prospect of a lengthy rebuild in Chicago, Donovan chose to step down from the job he’s had since 2020, allowing the Bulls to move forward with a clean slate after firing Karnisovas two weeks earlier.
Positives of the job: A lot about Chicago’s situation should appeal to potential coaches: a huge market, a giant fan base and ownership that has proven to be patient. There should be total alignment with the front office, given the new head of basketball operations is going to be hired before a head coach. And in a deep 2026 draft, Chicago will pick twice in the top 15.
Negatives of the job: There is a definitive lack of talent on the roster. Josh Giddey is a below average starting point guard, while Matas Buzelis is an intriguing long-term piece who may eventually be an above-average starter. Outside of that, this group will take significant time to develop into a true factor in the East. With lottery reform coming, that task could become even more difficult.
Milwaukee Bucks
2025-26 record: 32-50
Previous coach: Doc Rivers
Lead executive: Jon Horst (hired June 2017)
Why this job is open: As this season went off the rails, with Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down because of injuries and the team careening for the lottery for the first time in a decade, it quickly became clear that Rivers, who just was elected to the Hall of Fame last month, was headed for the exit. It remains to be seen who else from the organization will join him, but this franchise could look much different when training camp begins in September for the 2026-27 season.
Positives of the job: In the event Antetokounmpo is still on the Bucks’ roster next season, it won’t hurt having one of the best players on the planet to build around. And if he’s not on the roster, that means he has been moved in a trade that could completely reshape both Milwaukee’s roster and asset sheet, giving a new coach some intriguing options. Some lottery luck next month would certainly help.
Negatives of the job: The Bucks’ roadmap is full of challenges. With the $20 million from waiving and stretching Damian Lillard‘s contract on the books for the next four seasons, plus a lack of draft capital because of the trade to acquire him, adding impact players to the roster will be difficult. If Antetokounmpo isn’t traded, it’s unlikely the Bucks fare any better next season amid the continuing saga.
New Orleans Pelicans
2025-26 record: 26-56
Previous coach: Willie Green (Fired Nov. 15; James Borrego named interim coach)
Lead executive: Joe Dumars (hired April 2025)
Why this job is open: It was one of the league’s worst-kept secrets that New Orleans would be looking to replace Green. The Pelicans have not yet completed a short list of candidates and might keep Borrego on a permanent basis heading into next season, Dumars told reporters on Tuesday. Borrego’s extended job interview showed he has the ability to still be an NBA head coach, coaxing wins out of this roster as the season progressed — and especially once some of the Pelicans’ injured veterans returned.
But there is significant work to do in New Orleans.
Positives of the job: There is talent here. Zion Williamson is coming off perhaps his best, and certainly most available, season. Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones are quality two-way wings.
Negatives of the job: There are questions about the lack of overall funding into the franchise by ownership, with discussions ongoing over much-needed investment in the team’s arena. The decision to trade a 2026 lottery pick, plus a first-round pick last season, for Derik Queen looked worse as he fell out of the starting lineup down the stretch. There’s still a ton of money tied up for next season in Jordan Poole and for the next two seasons in Dejounte Murray, both of whom are questionable fits. Getting this team back into a playoff spot in the West won’t be easy.
