With Billy Donovan out, should the Bulls pursue Steve Kerr?
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Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
As the Bulls overhaul their front office and coaching staff, Steve Kerr stands out as the rare candidate who could reshape the franchise — this time from the sideline or the front office.
The big picture: Kerr has won titles as both a player and a coach. A front office role would be a different challenge — and one the Bulls could uniquely position him for.
- Kerr has nothing left to prove as a player or coach. The only unexplored lane is the front office — and the Bulls suddenly have that opening.
The latest: Donovan is out after six seasons and a 226–256 record.
What they're saying: "I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit," Donovan said in a statement.
Zoom out: Kerr is one of the NBA's most decorated figures, with nine championships as a player and coach. In Chicago, he remains a central figure in the franchise's 1990s dynasty, including his Game 6 winner in the 1997 Finals.
- He's also a huge fan favorite at the United Center.
Zoom in: The Bulls have spent decades chasing the ghost of the Jordan era. Now, they face a rare chance to change that trajectory. Someone who knows how to win, especially in Chicago, should be at the helm.
State of play: The 60-year-old Kerr, who is coaching the Golden State Warriors, is mulling leaving as that franchise weighs a reset and rebuild.
- He has said he doesn't envision coaching elsewhere — but he does have front office experience, serving as president of basketball operations for the Suns from 2007 to 2010.
- As the Bulls meander through current league general managers to lead the next chapter, why not consider bringing home one of its all-time heroes?
Reality check: There's no indication Kerr is interested, and the Bulls haven't signaled a pursuit. He wouldn't come cheap, and owner Jerry Reinsdorf isn't known for aggressive spending.
- There's also the Golden State Warriors, who could attempt to keep Kerr with a multi-year contract.
The bottom line: If the Bulls want to change their trajectory, it'll take more than incremental moves. A name like Kerr would signal just how far they're willing to go.