Billy Donovan has decided to step down as Chicago Bulls head coach after six seasons, ending a tenure that produced just one playoff appearance. The Bulls announced Tuesday that they wanted the longtime coach to remain in Chicago but respected his decision to walk away despite having a contract option for next season.

Donovan met with ownership over the past week after the organization fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley on April 6. The Bulls went 226-256 under Donovan, missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season this year. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf said the organization wanted Donovan back but agreed that giving the new head of basketball operations freedom to build their own staff was the best approach.

The 60-year-old coach, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2025, plans to continue his coaching career and will be a viable target for other NBA teams. The Bulls have begun interviewing candidates for their front office vacancy, including Minnesota Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd and Detroit Pistons senior vice president Dennis Lindsey.