<\/p>\n
Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan<\/a> is one of the names that has floated around since North Carolina<\/a> opened its head coaching position by firing Hubert Davis, and he did not deny having interest.<\/p>\n Donovan, when asked about his interest in UNC, kept his tone measured and reiterated that he is focused on coaching the Bulls for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cMy main focus is on these guys and this new team,\u201d Donovan said before the Bulls faced the Philadelphia 76ers. \u201cI understand that there\u2019s stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But, I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we\u2019re doing here in Chicago, having a game tonight, and traveling to go and play in a back-to-back.\u201d<\/p>\n Before he entered the NBA ranks as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, he was one of college basketball\u2019s most high-profile coaches, leading the University of Florida to consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007 and five Final Four appearances.<\/p>\n However, a lot has changed in the 11 years since Donovan left the college game. For starters, NIL came into full effect at the start of the 2021-22 season, and the transfer portal went into effect the season before.<\/p>\n Despite the culture change, North Carolina has solid NIL backing and the national recruiting reach that could allow him to build a championship contender quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the years, I\u2019ve had a lot of college guys reach out to talk to me,\u201d Donovan said. \u201cIt\u2019s different in dealing with players who are being paid now. I also think the cycle of the NBA today is totally different than the cycle of college. I\u2019m focused on what I have to do right now. Like anything else, things are always changing in the game of basketball.\u201d<\/p>\n Follow us @TarHeelsWire<\/a> on X and like our page on Facebook<\/a> to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nThe Chicago Bulls head coach and former national champion addressed speculation about the UNC job, insisting his focus remains on his current team.<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n