Billy Donovan reportedly set to join Spurs as lead assistant

Billy Donovan has agreed to become the San Antonio Spurs’ lead assistant under head coach Mitch Johnson, according to ESPN’s sourced report. The move would add a veteran head-coaching voice to Johnson’s staff as San Antonio reshapes its bench.

Donovan arrives with a long résumé across the NBA and college basketball. He spent 11 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, and he is part of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2025.

The reported hire follows Donovan’s April departure from Chicago after six seasons. His Bulls tenure ended with a 226-256 record, while his Oklahoma City teams went 243-157 and reached the playoffs in each of his five seasons there.

The role also continues a Spurs staff transition after Sean Sweeney left to become head coach of the Orlando Magic. ESPN reported that Donovan is not expected to simply take over Sweeney’s defensive duties, with San Antonio valuing his broader experience and existing relationship with Johnson.