Billy Donovan: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Florida Coach

Billy Donovan's first stint as an NBA head coach lasted six days in June 2007. The Florida Gators coach may be looking to make a more permanent move this time around.   

Continue for updates. 

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ESPN: Donovan Exploring NBA Options

Thursday, April 2

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, citing sources, there's an expectation that Donovan wants to move from Florida to the NBA:

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There is a growing sense among NBA executives that Florida Gators coach Billy Donovan is looking to making the jump to the NBA more than ever before, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that Donovan is poised to draw interest from multiple NBA teams this offseason and is increasingly prepared to listen to those pitches after the Gators endured a 16-17 season in which they failed to qualify for postseason play for just the second time in Donovan's nearly two decades in Gainesville.

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The timing of the rumor is interesting because Kevin Brockway of The Gainesville Sun reported Wednesday that Donovan recently signed a contract extension with Florida through the 2019-2020 season. That new deal gives him an average annual salary of $4 million. 

Brockway's report also notes Donovan's deal with the Gators includes a $500,000 buyout. It will be interesting to see which teams attempt to lure the veteran college coach. The Orlando Magic, which was the franchise that hired Donovan in 2007 before he changed his mind and returned to Florida, could have an opening if the front office doesn't want to stick with interim coach James Borrego. 

Stein provided comments from Louisville head coach Rick Pitino on Donovan's NBA prospects in an interview on Mike & Mike.

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I don't recommend it for college coaches to do that unless they know what it's all about. I take someone like Billy Donovan. I think Billy has looked at it, I think he has an urge to coach in the NBA -- a strong desire to coach in the NBA -- and would like to try it, very similar to Brad Stevens, who is doing a wonderful job with the Celtics. I think people like that with that type of personality will do very well.

If Billy doesn't do well, he can go back to college. Brad Stevens can go back to college. When you get to be our age, Tom [Izzo] and my age, where are you going back to? The McBurney's YMCA on 37th Street or 34th Street? If you're happy where you're at, it's a good place to stay.

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There are certain to be many jobs that come open as the NBA season ends. Donovan's track record of success at Florida, which includes two national championships, should make him a highly sought-after commodity.