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BREAKING: Billy Donovan to not return as Oklahoma City Thunder coach, club unable to give him a future direction

His contract was all set to expire after the 2019-20 season and both sides decided to not take the extension

Billy Donovan will not return to coach the Oklahoma City Thunder next season, the club announced. His contract was all set to expire after the 2019-20 season and both sides decided to not take the extension. Under his stint as their coach, Thunder made the playoffs this season but lost to the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoff series that went all the way to Game 7. 

Talking about his departure, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager, Sam Presti said he was proud of Donovan's accomplishment with Thunder. “I have great respect for Billy and will always appreciate our work together. He is a terrific basketball coach and we are proud of what he has accomplished with the Thunder.

"We had planned to sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us. After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn’t provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career. Therefore, we close this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has given to the team, organization, and community. Billy will always have a place in the Thunder family."

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.

"I have great respect and admiration for the players I coached in Oklahoma, and I also want to thank the coaches I worked with, who gave unbelievable time and expertise to our common goal. Lastly, I want to thank the Oklahoma City community for being so welcoming to my family during our time here. This place will always be special to us. I will always hold this organization in the highest regard and wish the Thunder and their fans the success they deserve."

"Billy Donovan will be remembered fondly for his personal integrity and professionalism during his time as our head coach," said Thunder Chairman, Clayton I. Bennet. “We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”

Needless to say, as the news is spreading online, reactions on social media have been flying in fast with most people unable to believe this new development. Some called it a 'conscious uncoupling' praising Donovan for a job well done, while others wondered 'why coaches were being made to take the blame', listing out other team heads who were shuttled out recently. Quite a few also wondered where Donovan was headed to next- will it be another NBA job or maybe The Bulls?