Pick 6: Who could replace Billy Donovan if he leaves the Bulls?

Mully & Haugh Show11mApril 16, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Mully & Haugh Show dives into the potential fallout if Billy Donovan departs the Chicago Bulls, exploring whether the team should hire an experienced head coach or a first-time coach to grow with their rebuilding core. The hosts debate the importance of coaching in the NBA, suggesting that for a rebuilding team like the Bulls, a less experienced but strategically connected coach may be ideal—someone who can thrive in a long-term rebuild and align with the organization’s culture. They highlight potential candidates like Johnny Bryant, Taylor Jenkins, and Dave Bliss, while also discussing the critical role of front-office leadership, particularly the need for a strong basketball president and general manager to guide the hiring process. The conversation shifts to the Blackhawks, where the team’s chairman Danny Wirtz announced a contract extension for GM Kyle Davidson, citing stability, draft success, and player trust as key reasons. The hosts reflect on how far the Blackhawks have come from their past, praising Davidson’s low-risk, high-reward approach and the value of continuity in attracting free agents.

Key Takeaways
1

For a rebuilding Bulls team, a first-time head coach with strong organizational ties may be more valuable than an experienced but overqualified candidate.

2

The success of a head coach may matter less in the NBA than in other major sports, especially for teams in a long-term rebuild phase.

3

Front-office leadership—particularly the basketball president and GM—plays a crucial role in shaping the coaching hire and overall team direction.

4

Kyle Davidson’s contract extension with the Blackhawks signals organizational stability and confidence in his long-term rebuild strategy.

5

A strong, consistent front office can help attract free agents by signaling stability and trust in the team’s vision.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Billy Donovan's Future and the Bulls' Coaching Search

The hosts open the episode by addressing the uncertainty around Billy Donovan's return to the Bulls, questioning whether the team should hire an experienced coach or a first-time head coach to grow with their young core.

2:00
3 min

The Case for a First-Time Head Coach

I think a brand new guy is the way to go. What about Spoh? Would you want Spoh? Yeah, he's not leaving, is he? I don't know. He's in trouble apparently. But my point is like... Would I want him? Sure, but at the end of the day, we talked about this yesterday with one of the questions. You've got to have players. So the coach doesn't matter?

Highlight
5:00
3 min

Evaluating Potential Candidates

The hosts analyze several potential candidates, including Johnny Bryant, Taylor Jenkins, Dave Bliss, and Chris Quinn, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and organizational alignment over resume pedigree.

8:00
2 min

The Role of Front Office Leadership

Now Billy Donovan could be potentially one of the other two guys but not the head coach. I think a first-time head coach with the where this... this organization is right now, is the way to go.

Highlight
10:00
2 min

Blackhawks' Stability and Kyle Davidson's Extension

You're rewarding him and you're going to stay with it. It's very interesting. Continuity. Yes, very interesting.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I think a brand new guy is the way to go. What about Spoh? Would you want Spoh? Yeah, he's not leaving, is he? I don't know. He's in trouble apparently. But my point is like... Would I want him? Sure, but at the end of the day, we talked about this yesterday with one of the questions. You've got to have players. So the coach doesn't matter?
Mully2:58
Viral: 85.0
You've got to have players. So the coach doesn't matter?
Mully3:16
Viral: 80.0
Now Billy Donovan could be potentially one of the other two guys but not the head coach. I think a first-time head coach with the where this... this organization is right now, is the way to go.
Haugh2:21
Viral: 78.0
Speakers

Hosts

MullyHaugh
Topics Discussed
Kyle Davidson Contract Extension92%Bulls Coaching Search90%Blackhawks Rebuild90%Rebuilding Strategy88%First-Time Head Coaches85%Front Office Leadership82%Organizational Stability80%Draft Success78%
People & Brands

Chicago Bulls

other

12xNeutral

Kyle Davidson

person

11xPositive

Chicago Blackhawks

other

10xPositive

Billy Donovan

person

7xNeutral

Danny Wirtz

person

5xPositive

Johnny Bryant

person

3xPositive

Eric Spolstra

person

2xPositive

Taylor Jenkins

person

2xNeutral

Conor Bedard

person

2xNeutral

Dave Bliss

person

2xPositive

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