Chicago Bulls President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf has expressed strong support for head coach Billy Donovan, indicating his desire for Donovan to remain in his position despite recent sweeping changes in the team's basketball operations leadership.

Reinsdorf's remarks came a day after the Bulls dismissed Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley. The pair's six-year tenure resulted in a single playoff appearance for the franchise.

In outlining the criteria for potential new basketball executives, Reinsdorf made it clear that any successful candidate must endorse Donovan. He stated that individuals not convinced by Donovan's coaching abilities, his status as a Hall of Famer, his college championship victories, or his deep playoff runs with Oklahoma City would not be considered suitable for the roles. Reinsdorf attributed the Bulls' failure to meet desired results not to Donovan, but to other factors, asserting that the coach achieved "really good results" given the team he was provided.

Donovan, 60, has consistently affirmed his passion for coaching. He is slated to meet with ownership after the conclusion of the current season to discuss his future with the team.

Donovan's NBA coaching career spans 11 seasons, encompassing stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls, where he compiled a record of 467-411 entering Tuesday's game. Prior to his NBA career, he spent 19 years coaching at the collegiate level, notably leading the University of Florida to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. His significant contributions to basketball were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last September.