Billy Donovan accepted the role of lead assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, joining head coach Mitch Johnson, sources told ESPN on Thursday. The Hall of Fame inductee, 61, leaves Chicago after a six‑year stint that ended in April. His move places a veteran with two college titles and eleven NBA head‑coaching seasons on a Western Conference champions staff.

Donovan guided the Bulls to a 226‑256 record, missing the playoffs for a fourth straight year, while his five‑year Oklahoma City tenure produced a 243‑157 mark and annual postseason appearances. Interest surged from the Knicks, UNC and other franchises, but he honored his contract option before stepping down. The Spurs gain a strategist versed in rebuilding and playoff preparation now.

Spurs owner Peter Holt praised Donovan’s defensive acumen, expecting his experience to accelerate the team’s climb toward a deeper playoff run. Johnson, in his second year, will rely on Donovan to refine rotations and mentor a young core that already posted a 48‑34 record last season. The partnership immediately reshapes San Antonio’s coaching hierarchy and set the tone for success.