The Spurs hired Donovan as their lead assistant coach to help Johnson make a strong push for the new season.

July 3 - According to ESPN , former Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs. He will serve as the team's lead assistant coach, assisting head coach Mitch Johnson .

The 61- year-old Donovan boasts an extensive coaching resume. He coached the Chicago Bulls for six seasons, leading them to a 226-256 record ; prior to that, he coached the Oklahoma City Thunder for five seasons, leading them to the playoffs for five consecutive years. Furthermore, he led the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007 , and is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025 .

In April of this year , Donovan voluntarily resigned as head coach of the Bulls. Although the Bulls hoped he would stay, they ultimately respected his decision. It is understood that while still under contract with the Bulls, Donovan received interest from the Knicks and the University of North Carolina, among others, but he consistently chose to fulfill his contractual obligations until both parties reached an agreement on his departure.

Donovan will replace Shawn Sweeney . Sources indicate that the Spurs chose him primarily because of his extensive coaching experience in the NBA and college basketball, as well as his deep understanding of both offensive and defensive systems. Furthermore, according to ESPN reporter Michael C. Wright, Donovan has a close personal relationship with head coach Mitch Johnson , which was also a significant factor in the successful signing of this contract.

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