Billy Donovan responds to Michael Reinsdorf's desire to retain him

Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show14mApril 10, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The episode centers on Billy Donovan's response to Michael Reinsdorf's public endorsement of him as the Chicago Bulls' head coach, with Reinsdorf stating he'd be 'crazy' not to want Donovan, a Hall of Fame-caliber coach. The hosts analyze the significance of this statement, noting that while Reinsdorf has gone to great lengths to make Donovan feel valued—removing previous executives, restructuring the roster, and emphasizing continuity—Donovan himself remains non-committal, reportedly waiting until after the season to decide his future. The discussion dives into the blame pie for the Bulls' lack of success, with the hosts arguing that Donovan bears minimal responsibility due to the poor front office decisions, roster mismanagement, and lack of talent. They contrast his successful tenure with Oklahoma City, where he led a deep playoff run, with his current struggles in Chicago, attributing them to systemic issues rather than coaching failure. The conversation also touches on potential suitors for Donovan, including the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans, highlighting his continued marketability despite recent on-court results. A lighthearted interlude about favorite pies and movie references adds levity, but the core narrative remains focused on Donovan’s uncertain future and the Bulls’ leadership dilemma.

Key Takeaways
1

Michael Reinsdorf publicly endorsed Billy Donovan as the future head coach of the Bulls, calling him a Hall of Fame coach and stating he’d be 'crazy' not to want him.

2

Donovan has not committed to staying, reportedly waiting until after the season to make a decision, despite the front office’s efforts to make him feel valued.

3

The hosts argue that the Bulls’ lack of success is primarily due to front office failures—poor roster construction and executive mismanagement—not Donovan’s coaching.

4

Donovan’s legacy is still strong, especially from his Oklahoma City tenure, where he led a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals before losing in Game 7.

5

Multiple NBA teams, including Orlando and New Orleans, are reportedly considering Donovan for head coaching vacancies, indicating continued market demand.

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Reinsdorf's Public Endorsement of Billy Donovan

You're crazy if you don't want Billy Donovan. He's a Hall of Fame basketball coach. That comes with the package.

Highlight
2:30
3 min

Donovan's Response and Uncertain Future

Billy Donovan’s pregame comments to Chuck Swirsky reveal gratitude but no commitment, indicating he’s waiting until after the season to decide his future.

5:00
3 min

Blame Pie: Who’s Responsible for the Bulls’ Struggles?

The coach has to be a reflection of what the talent is doing. And all the time we talk about how, you know, DeMar played ISO ball... you know, Zach goes down. We see more out of Patrick Williams and Kobe White over that time. It was all a bad fit.

Highlight
8:20
3 min

Donovan’s Marketability and Potential Suitors

There are going to be several teams out there that check in with him about potentially taking over their head coaching vacancy.

Highlight
11:40
3 min

Lighthearted Interlude: Favorite Pies and Movie References

A comedic break featuring host preferences for pie and a movie recommendation, including a comparison between Sam Worthington and Tyler Buterbaugh.

High-Impact Quotes
You're crazy if you don't want Billy Donovan. He's a Hall of Fame basketball coach. That comes with the package.
Michael Reinsdorf5:01
Viral: 90.0
The coach has to be a reflection of what the talent is doing. And all the time we talk about how, you know, DeMar played ISO ball... you know, Zach goes down. We see more out of Patrick Williams and Kobe White over that time. It was all a bad fit.
Marshall Harris10:36
Viral: 85.0
The video of him hugging his mom in the tunnel? You're up 3-1 in a Western Conference Finals. 3-1 against the Warriors. You're up 3-1 and you lose three games in a row.
Rahimi Harrison-Grody18:50
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

Rahimi Harrison-GrodyMarshall HarrisMark Rodey
Topics Discussed
Billy Donovan's Future with the Bulls95%Michael Reinsdorf's Public Endorsement90%Blame Attribution in the NBA88%Bulls Front Office Performance85%NBA Coaching Market and Rumors80%Oklahoma City Playoff Run75%Team Roster and Talent Management70%Host Banter and Lighthearted Segments40%
People & Brands

Billy Donovan

person

28xPositive

Chicago Bulls

other

25xNeutral

Michael Reinsdorf

person

12xPositive

Oklahoma City Thunder

other

8xPositive

Lonzo Ball

person

6xNeutral

Tyler Buterbaugh

person

5xPositive

Zach LaVine

person

4xNeutral

DeMar DeRozan

person

4xNeutral

New York Knicks

other

3xPositive

Orlando Magic

other

3xNeutral

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