Source: Donovan Leaving Gators For Magic

NT80 · May 31, 2007

Source: Donovan leaving Gators for Magic

By TRAVIS REED, Associated Press Writer

ORLANDO - After leading Florida to two national titles, Billy Donovan has agreed to leave the Gators to coach the Orlando Magic, an official in the NBA told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been finalized, said Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract.

Donovan, who turned down an offer in April to coach Kentucky, replaces Brian Hill, who was fired after two consecutive losing seasons.

Donovan, his agent and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley didn't return phone messages left by The AP. School president Bernie Machen, who was attending a meeting of Southeastern Conference officials, declined comment.

Speculation that Donovan would leave Gainesville seemed to end after he turned down Kentucky and said, "I love the University of Florida." He was also linked to the Memphis Grizzlies' job, but never had formal talks with them and repeatedly refused to comment about any open coaching positions.

He said he intended to sign an extension at Florida, where he was making $1.7 million annually.

UNTflyer · May 31, 2007

Of course, "anonymous" sources don't have a good track record. IIRC, Joe Torre's ass was gone after last season.

gksmith · June 4, 2007

Losing 5 players on your current roster to graduation or NBA draft would make just about anyone run away.

NT80 · June 4, 2007

Report: Donovan eyes return to Gators

By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Billy Donovan might not be done with the Florida Gators after all. FoxSports.com, citing two anonymous sources, reported Sunday night that Donovan was having second thoughts about coaching the NBA's Orlando Magic and attempting to return to Gainesville.

Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Magic on Thursday, but FoxSports.com reported that he has approached both sides about getting out of the deal. He has yet to sign the contract with the NBA team.

According to one of the sources, the Magic forced Donovan to make a rash decision.

Donovan said after taking the Magic job that he had always been intrigued by the NBA and that Orlando was the perfect situation because it was an up-and-coming team and close to home.

UNTLifer · June 4, 2007

Changed his mind:

Yahoo!sports.com

CMJ · June 5, 2007

Florida will be a power for as long as Donovan is there now. Think about it...he turned down Kentucky AND the NBA in about a 6 week time period to stay there.

He was a FANTASTIC recruiter before. Now he can sell repeat champions...quartet of lotto picks(plus other pros in the past) AND "I just passed on the chance for 25M to coach the best players in the world...to coach you...come to Gainsville son".

:blink:

Edited June 5, 2007 by CMJ

UNTflyer · June 5, 2007

Yeah, it's a great time to be a Gator.

NT80 · June 5, 2007

Yeah, it's a great time to be a Gator.

They can't be National Champs every season, and he'll have 27.5 million regrets when it happens. :rolleyes:

gksmith · June 5, 2007

Florida will be a power for as long as Donovan is there now. Think about it...he turned down Kentucky AND the NBA in about a 6 week time period to stay there.
He was a FANTASTIC recruiter before. Now he can sell repeat champions...quartet of lotto picks(plus other pros in the past) AND "I just passed on the chance for 25M to coach the best players in the world...to coach you...come to Gainsville son".

Looks like he is changing his mind about the leap to the NBA.

With or without Donovan, don't expect Florida to have the power house team like the last 2 or 3. Florida is losing 6 players from the current squad. That is half the team. Florida will still have a winning record (probably) and probably get an at large bid into the NCAAs. Look for an early exit though.

Now 2008-09 season...we'll see. Probably will be back in full by then. But 2007-08 I would not put a lot of stock in Florida.