Donovan Takes Over as San Antonio’s Top Assistant

Updated July 3, 2026 9 min read

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Billy Donovan Takes Over as San Antonio’s Top Assistant Coach Under Mitch Johnson

Billy Donovan, the former NBA head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, has agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs as lead assistant coach under head coach Mitch Johnson. The hiring, first reported by ESPN on July 2, 2026, marks a significant addition to the Spurs coaching staff as the franchise builds around its young core.

TL;DR: The San Antonio Spurs have hired veteran head coach Billy Donovan as their new lead assistant coach, working alongside first-time head coach Mitch Johnson. Donovan brings over a decade of NBA head coaching experience, including two Eastern Conference Finals appearances with the Bulls. The move signals the Spurs’ commitment to surrounding their young roster with proven basketball minds as the franchise pushes toward contention in the Western Conference.

Quick Answer

Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, joining head coach Mitch Johnson’s staff. The deal, confirmed by multiple sources including ESPN and The New York Times, brings a two-time NBA Coach of the Year candidate with extensive head coaching experience to one of the league’s most promising young teams. Donovan previously coached the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Key Takeaways

Billy Donovan has agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs as the lead assistant coach under Mitch Johnson
Donovan previously served as head coach of the Chicago Bulls (2020–2025) and Oklahoma City Thunder (2015–2020)
The hiring gives first-year head coach Mitch Johnson a highly experienced voice on the bench
Donovan brings two NBA Eastern Conference Finals appearances and five total playoff appearances as a head coach
The Spurs continue to invest heavily in their coaching infrastructure to support a rising roster

Who Is Billy Donovan and What He Brings to the Spurs

Billy Donovan is one of the most decorated coaches in modern NBA and college basketball history. Before entering the NBA, Donovan built a legendary college coaching career at the University of Florida, where he won back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2006 and 2007 with the Gators. His college record included 502 wins across 19 seasons.

In the NBA, Donovan coached the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015 to 2020, compiling a regular-season record of 243–178. During his time in OKC, he guided teams featuring Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Chris Paul to the playoffs in each of his five seasons, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2016. He then moved to the Chicago Bulls, where he coached from 2020 through the 2024–25 season, leading the team to three playoff appearances and two Eastern Conference Finals runs.

Coaching Record and Achievements

Donovan’s NBA head coaching resume includes a combined record of approximately 414–327 across ten seasons. His ability to develop young talent, manage veteran rosters, and adapt his systems to different roster compositions makes him an ideal fit for a Spurs team in transition from rebuild to contention.

Coaching Tenure	Team	Record	Playoff Appearances
2015–2020	Oklahoma City Thunder	243–178	5 (1 Conference Finals)
2020–2025	Chicago Bulls	~171–149	3 (2 Conference Finals)
Career NBA Total	—	~414–327	8 (3 Conference Finals)

Why the Spurs Chose Donovan as Lead Assistant

The San Antonio Spurs hired Billy Donovan to fill the lead assistant role because head coach Mitch Johnson needed a proven voice with championship-level experience on his bench. Johnson, who took over as head coach following the departure of Gregg Popovich, is entering a critical phase in his early coaching career. Having a veteran like Donovan provides immediate stability and mentorship.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Donovan agreed to the role after discussions with the Spurs front office about the team’s direction. The move reflects a broader trend of NBA franchises pairing young head coaches with experienced assistants who can serve as sounding boards during games, manage rotations, and help with in-game adjustments.

The Mitch Johnson–Billy Donovan Partnership

Mitch Johnson inherits a Spurs roster headlined by generational talent Victor Wembanyama and a cast of ascending young players. The pairing with Donovan gives Johnson a collaborator who has coached superstar-level players and navigated high-pressure playoff environments. Donovan’s experience managing egos, rotations, and game plans at the highest level supplements Johnson’s fresh perspective and modern approach to coaching.

For more information on the Spurs’ coaching history, see our guide on the evolution of San Antonio’s coaching tree under Gregg Popovich.

What This Means for the San Antonio Spurs Roster

The addition of Billy Donovan to the Spurs coaching staff has immediate implications for player development, game planning, and locker room culture. San Antonio’s roster features several young players who will benefit from working with a coach of Donovan’s caliber on a daily basis.

Donovan has a strong track record of developing guards and wings, having overseen the growth of players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City and Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu in Chicago. His ability to put players in positions to succeed and maximize individual strengths aligns with the Spurs’ player development philosophy.

Impact on Victor Wembanyama’s Development

Perhaps the most significant aspect of this hiring is the potential impact on Victor Wembanyama’s continued growth. As a second-year player entering his third NBA season, Wembanyama benefits from additional experienced coaching perspectives. Donovan’s offensive systems and defensive schemes have historically been adaptable, and his experience coaching around dominant big men could help the Spurs design schemes that maximize Wembanyama’s unique skill set.

Spurs Coaching Staff Overhaul for the 2026–27 Season

Billy Donovan’s hiring is part of a broader effort by the San Antonio Spurs to rebuild and strengthen their coaching infrastructure heading into the 2026–27 NBA season. The franchise has been methodical in assembling staff around Mitch Johnson, ensuring the first-time head coach has adequate support.

Industry data indicates that teams with experienced lead assistants tend to perform better in close games and during playoff runs. Research shows that coaching depth has become an increasingly important factor in NBA success, as the league’s tactical complexity continues to grow with advances in analytics, load management, and player-specific development programs.

How NBA Teams Are Investing in Coaching Staffs

The Spurs’ decision to bring in a former head coach as a lead assistant is not unique in today’s NBA. Several franchises have made similar moves in recent years:

Denver Nuggets: Hired veteran coaches with head coaching experience to support Michael Malone’s staff
Boston Celtics: Built a deep coaching staff that contributed to their 2024 NBA Championship
Oklahoma City Thunder: Surrounding Mark Daigneault with experienced assistants as the team competes for titles
San Antonio Spurs: Now adding Billy Donovan to support Mitch Johnson’s leadership

For more information, see our guide on how NBA coaching staffs have evolved in the modern era.

What Are the Biggest Questions Surrounding This Hiring?

While the Donovan hiring is widely praised, several questions remain about how the arrangement will function on a day-to-day basis.

Will Donovan Accept a Long-Term Assistant Role?

Donovan has spent the last decade as a head coach in the NBA. Adapting to a supporting role requires a significant shift in mindset. However, sources indicate that Donovan is excited about the Spurs’ trajectory and the opportunity to work without the full pressure of being the primary decision-maker. His willingness to take on this role suggests genuine belief in the franchise’s future.

How Will the Dynamic Work During Games?

In-game coaching dynamics between a head coach and lead assistant can vary widely. Some lead assistants focus on defensive strategies, others on offensive sets, and some serve as emotional anchors during tense moments. Donovan’s specific responsibilities within Johnson’s staff will become clearer as the preseason progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs?

Billy Donovan is the new lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs. He was hired on July 2, 2026, to work under head coach Mitch Johnson. Donovan previously served as head coach of the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Why did Billy Donovan leave the Chicago Bulls?

Billy Donovan parted ways with the Chicago Bulls following the 2024–25 NBA season. His contract situation and the Bulls’ roster direction led to a mutual decision to move on. Donovan then joined the San Antonio Spurs as lead assistant coach.

What is Mitch Johnson’s coaching record with the Spurs?

Mitch Johnson is entering his tenure as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, having taken over from Gregg Popovich. Johnson previously served as an assistant coach within the Spurs organization and is now building his head coaching résumé with a roster featuring Victor Wembanyama and several promising young players.

How does Billy Donovan’s hiring affect Victor Wembanyama?

Billy Donovan’s hiring benefits Victor Wembanyama by adding an experienced coaching voice focused on player development. Donovan has a history of maximizing the potential of talented players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Zach LaVine. His presence gives Wembanyama access to another seasoned mind as he enters his critical third NBA season.

When did the San Antonio Spurs announce Billy Donovan’s hiring?

The San Antonio Spurs’ hiring of Billy Donovan as lead assistant coach was first reported by ESPN on July 2, 2026. The New York Times, San Antonio Express-News, and other outlets subsequently confirmed the news through their own sources.

What was Billy Donovan’s record as an NBA head coach?

Billy Donovan compiled an NBA head coaching record of approximately 414 wins and 327 losses across ten seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls. He led both teams to multiple playoff appearances and reached three conference finals during his head coaching career.

Conclusion

Billy Donovan’s arrival as the San Antonio Spurs’ lead assistant coach represents a calculated move by the franchise to provide head coach Mitch Johnson with one of the most experienced basketball minds available. With over a decade of NBA head coaching experience, two NCAA Championships, and a track record of developing elite talent, Donovan gives the Spurs a significant upgrade in coaching depth. As San Antonio enters the 2026–27 season with rising expectations centered around Victor Wembanyama, the Donovan hiring signals that the organization is serious about building a coaching infrastructure capable of sustaining long-term success. This move positions the San Antonio Spurs as a franchise that values both present competitiveness and future growth.

The Bottom Line

Billy Donovan takes over as San Antonio’s top assistant coach, joining Mitch Johnson’s staff for the 2026–27 NBA season. The hiring, confirmed by ESPN and The New York Times on July 2, 2026, brings a proven head coach with a combined 414–327 NBA record to support a young, ascending Spurs roster. Donovan’s experience coaching superstar players and navigating high-stakes playoff environments makes him an ideal complement to Johnson’s emerging leadership. The move underscores San Antonio’s commitment to surrounding its talent with championship-caliber coaching expertise as the franchise builds toward contention in the Western Conference.