Donovan: No Agreement Yet On Extension

By ANDY STAPLES The Tampa Tribune
Published: May 19, 2007

GAINESVILLE - University of Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan said Friday morning that he has not reached an agreement on a contract extension. ESPN.com reported on Thursday that Donovan had agreed in principle to a new seven-year deal that would make him the highest paid college basketball coach in the nation.
Donovan said he and Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley have discussed parameters for a new deal, but Donovan said he understands Foley and UF president Bernie Machen have to go through the proper channels before finalizing his contract.
"Jeremy and I have not reached an agreement," Donovan said. "I know there's a process that Jeremy has to go through, and I know there's a process the school has to go through. … I'm fine with that process."
The Web site quoted unnamed sources Thursday as saying that Donovan could sign a seven-year extension within days or weeks that would pay him an average of $3.5 million a year. Donovan said he didn't know who would leak such information, because the sides have not reached that point in the negotiating process.
Foley said Thursday night that no agreement had been reached.
"We haven't agreed on any contract," Foley said Thursday night in the press box during the Florida-Tennessee baseball game at McKethan Stadium. "The compensation committee hasn't even met yet."
That committee must approve any extension before it can be officially offered. Foley also is working on a new deal for football coach Urban Meyer. Meyer and Donovan each are coming off national championship seasons. Meyer just entered the third of a seven-year deal that pays an average of $2.1 million annually. Donovan just entered the sixth of a seven-year deal that pays $1.7 million annually.
Donovan also explained why he hasn't shot down the rumors that he is interested in coaching an NBA team. Donovan said he prefers not to make definitive statements regarding such issues, because such statements could be used against him - even years later.
The Memphis Grizzlies contacted Donovan this offseason, but no job was offered. Donovan's name has been mentioned in connection with the Orlando Magic, but no one from the Magic has contacted Donovan or his representatives, and Magic officials have yet to decide whether they will retain Coach Brian Hill.
Donovan said he is comfortable with the progress of the negotiation with Florida. He said nothing has been finalized, but he said Florida officials don't need to rush to finish the deal.
"I've been here 11 years," Donovan said. "I trust Jeremy."

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