The Truth Behind The Rumored Ties Between John Scheyer And The Chicago Bulls

After Saturday night’s win against the Miami Heat and Arturas Karnisovas’ involvement in his first trade of this year’s deadline, some potentially franchise-altering news hit social media. According to the Hoop Herald, there is mutual interest between Chicago and John Scheyer, the current head coach of the Duke Blue Devils. Scheyer grew up in Illinois, is fourth all-time in points scored at the high school level in the state, and, back in 2021, said his ultimate goal was to coach at the professional level. While all the stars may seem to align for a perfect homecoming hire, there are a few things that suggest the fans should proceed with caution when seeing these reports. Here’s the reality behind Scheyer becoming the next coach of the Chicago Bulls.

Nothing Of Substance Between The Two Parties

The first red flag in this connection between Scheyer and the Bulls organization is the lack of runway. This is the first report suggesting any ties between the sides, and Chicago has shown no signs that it’s preparing to move on from current head coach Billy Donovan. On the flip, there’s been no indication from the Duke head coach that he’s eager to move on from the university, and with a 109-23 career record with the program, it’s safe to say he’s not itching to get out. Other than being an Illinois native and expressing interest in coaching at the highest level several years ago, no further evidence or insight has been provided linking Chicago to the potential future hire.

BREAKING:

Sources close to the situation have indicated there may be mutual interest between The Bulls and Jon Scheyer if, and when, they move on from Billy Donovan

Scheyer, a Chicago native, is currently 109-23 at Duke with a loaded recruiting class incoming yet again pic.twitter.com/CWYuRrJ6ru

— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) February 1, 2026

No Hints At Moving On From Billy Donovan

Although several facts may point to the Bulls needing to move on from their current head coach, nothing from the franchise suggests they’re even considering it. Chicago has seen 24 head coaches in their history. Of the five coaches who have coached over 270 games, Donovan’s winning percentage ranks last at .487 after 450 outings. Four of those five also have at least three playoff appearances and 10 wins. The one exception? The current man at the helm has only one postseason berth in six seasons, with one playoff victory under his belt. One of the greatest wonders of the current Bulls team is how he still has a job, and how much longer until he’s shown the door.

Billy Donovan is the 3rd longest active tenured coach in the NBA.

Record with the Bulls: 195-205.

1 playoff appearance: lost in 5 games.

Jon Scheyer (Duke’s 38 year old coach) rumored to replace Billy this offseason if Bulls make a change. pic.twitter.com/w3JQCTVDCS

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@Bullsfans) February 1, 2026

In the spirit of separating fact from fiction, both things can be true. Although he’s a solid fit from afar and has Chicago ties, the Scheyer connection has not been solidified. At the same time, the Bulls are sorely in need of a leadership change, and Donovan’s days have to be numbered, especially if the team loses in the play-in tournament for a fourth consecutive season.

If this season ends how the masses expect it to, does Chicago finally pull the trigger on firing Donovan? If so, is Scheyer on the short list of candidates to take his place?