Billy Donovan steps down as Chicago Bulls head coach after six seasons

The Billy Donovan era in Chicago is over.

The latest: The Bulls coach is stepping down after six seasons, finishing with a 226–256 record.

What they're saying: "After a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization, I have decided to step away as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, to allow the search process to unfold," Donovan said in a statement.

• "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."
• "That is the kind of person Billy is — he put the Bulls first," Owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this organization."

The big picture: Donovan, known for developing young players, made just one playoff appearance during his tenure.

• "This is the right thing for the organization, even though it's not what ownership wanted," Matt Spiegel of The Score tells Axios.
• "It's telling in many ways, about who was the wisest basketball person on staff and how big the challenge is that remains."

The intrigue: The Reinsdorfs now need a GM and a coach after firing Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley before the season ended — despite earlier signaling they wanted Donovan to stay.

• The Bulls have reportedly started zeroing in on GM replacements, which include Minnesota's Matt Lloyd and Detroit's Dennis Lindsey.

Zoom out: The Bulls are now in a rebuild after trading away most of their stars at the deadline and now are in the midst of a rebuild, stockpiling draft picks and young talent like Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue and Anfernee Simons.

The bottom line: "The team needs a whole new vision, from the very top," Spiegel adds.

What's next: The Bulls aim to have a new front office and coach in place before the late-June NBA Draft.