Billy Donovan joins Spurs as lead assistant coach

Hall of Fame coach Billy Donovan has joined the San Antonio Spurs as the lead assistant to head coach Mitch Johnson, the team announced on July 2, 2026. The move marks a significant shift for Donovan, who spent the previous 11 consecutive seasons as an NBA head coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls.

Donovan, 61, stepped down from his role with the Bulls in April 2026 after the team finished the 2025-26 season with a 31-51 record and missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year. In a statement at the time, Donovan said he decided to step away to allow the organization to pursue a new direction. The Bulls subsequently hired Tiago Splitter as their head coach in June.

His decision to accept a supporting role comes as the Spurs seek to build on a breakthrough season. In his first full year as head coach, Mitch Johnson led San Antonio to a 62-20 regular-season record, the Western Conference championship, and an appearance in the NBA Finals. The team’s run ended last month, however, with a five-game series loss to the New York Knicks. That defeat prompted discussions about adding more experienced guidance to the coaching staff, particularly for high-pressure...