Billy Donovan Eyeing Kentucky Return

0:00On April 21st, Billy Donovan just stepped down his head coach of the Chicago Bulls after six seasons there. The 60-year-old has four 69 wins in the NBA since jumping from college in 2015. Now he's a free agent with no plans to retire, and that reignites decades-old rumors of a Kentucky homecoming. Earlier this week, reports hit that Donovan's the top name on the coaching market, drawing interest from NBA teams and college programs alike. He's dodged retirement talk, with sources saying he wants back on the sidelines right away. Kentucky pursued him before hiring Mark Pope last year, and that door never fully closed. Kentucky fans are restless, even after Pope's solid start, with 46 wins over two seasons, top seeds, and tournament trips. Pressures mounting on him heading into next year, especially with athletic director changes looming. Big blue nation's pulse is racing at the thought of Donovan, who started his career as a wildcats assistant back in 1989. Meanwhile,

1:00insiders float ideas of Donovan sitting out the current cycle for the 2027-28 season. That could line him up perfectly if openings hit at Kentucky, Kansas, or even Florida. NBA execs think he'd bite on Lexington if he takes a gap year. If Pope delivers deep runs and racks up victories, this stays just talk. But if the heat keeps building in the bluegrass, Donovan could finally link up with Kentucky after all these near misses, shaking up college hoops big time.