Billy Donovan speaks on the fragile job security of being an NBA head coach

"You always have to be grateful each and every day to do it."

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The life of an NBA coach may look glamorous on the outside, but behind the scenes lies a constant state of uncertainty and pressure. With expectations, both from the front office and fans, constantly looming over their head, these coaches must navigate through the ups and downs of a grueling 82-game season while also trying to maintain job security.

One coach who understands this all too well is Billy Donovan, the current head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who shared how bad he felt when he learned of the dismissal of Adrian Griffin from his job as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Close relationship

Unbeknownst to many, Donovan and Griffin used to work together, as the latter was the former’s assistant coach when he was coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although Donovan felt bad about the development, given how Griffin led the Bucks to a 30-13 record at the time of his ouster, the Bulls coach understands that this is part of the job.

“I felt bad. I thought he did a really good job when we were together. When you don’t know all the inner workings of those things [in Milwaukee], it’s hard, but as a coach, a guy, and my relationship with him, I really enjoyed our time together. Any time you see something like that happen so quickly, you always feel bad about it,” Donovan said.

Have to be grateful

With NBA games coming one after another, coaches often don’t have much time to stand pat and reflect on the present. However, Donovan said it’s crucial to have a good perspective on things and be grateful for the opportunities given.

“You always have to be grateful each and every day to [coach],” Donovan said.

“I drive home and get off the interstate, and there’s people standing out there on the street asking for money or people sleeping in front of police precincts. It’s so easy not to be grateful for the things you have and the opportunity you have, and I always try and keep that in perspective. I get a chance every day to do something I love. I try and view it that way.”

.@RealSkipBayless is not surprised with the Bucks firing Adrian Griffin:

“I think it’s cold-blooded, but I can’t condemn the firing. It was flawed to start.” pic.twitter.com/jHdGEbOUC8

— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) January 24, 2024

DeMar DeRozan comments on Coby White's evolution from inconsistent guard to complete player