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Billy Donovan replaces Jim Boylen as Chicago Bulls coach, fans support the move as they find his resume 'strong'

Donovan's record of leading the Thunder to five Western Conference playoffs didn't go unnoticed

Billy Donovan will now coach the Chicago Bulls.

According to ESPN's sources, the former Oklahoma City Thunder coach was pursued by Bulls' executive VP of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, and the deal was finalized on Tuesday, September 22. In his statement. Donovan said he was thankful for the opportunity to coach the Bulls. "I'm excited to partner with Arturas as we work together on behalf of this historic franchise," he said.

Donovan's record of leading the Thunder to five Western Conference playoffs didn't go unnoticed and the Bulls latched on the 55-year-old after news of his departure from the Thunder camp broke earlier this month. "We are very pleased to welcome Billy and his family to the Chicago Bulls," Karnisovas said.

"The success that he has sustained over the course of his coaching career puts him on a different level. We feel his ability to help his players reach their potential, both individually and collectively, will mesh well with our roster. Whether as a player or as a coach, he has won everywhere his career has taken him, and we hope that will continue here in Chicago." This move did find a positive nod from Bulls fans while there were a few nays sprinkled over social media.

The common tweet was a thumbs-up after his hiring and one of the fans was optimistic of a good result in the coming season. "Slightly hot take, I think Billy Donovan gets the Bulls into the 8th seed next year," read one of the comments.For some, while there were a few options, Donovan was not a bad pick by a long shot. "I was kinda hoping for Mark Jackson or Nate McMillan. I’ll def take Billy Donovan tho. I didn’t even know he was available," a fan tweeted after hearing the news. "In other news #ChicagoBulls name Billy Donovan as head coach. Can't think of anyone in past 30 years who came to that job with such a strong resume. Good luck Coach!" a fan wrote.

"The main thing I like about the Billy Donovan hire is ownership has clear trust in AK. Regardless of price, they let AK get his coach. Same thing with allowing AK to fire Boylen even tho ownership liked him. This team will be built totally on AK and his teams vision, no one else," reckoned one of the fans. There were quite a few tweets that had fans unhappy about the Bulls' choice of picking a new coach. "Any bulls fans complaining about Billy Donovan not being a good enough coach just know I hate you and you’re dumb," a fan wrote in favor of Donovan.
 

He was named head coach of the Thunder in 2015 and as per the NBA site, he led the team to a 243-157 record with playoff appearances in each season. "Coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder the past five seasons has been a great honor, and I thank Mr. Bennett, Sam, and the entire organization for the opportunity,” said Billy Donovan, during his departure from Thunder. Meanwhile, the Bulls will be counting on Donovan to deliver after the top-tier side had a dismal run this season and has missed the postseason for the fourth time in five years.