Jeff Goodman
FOXSports.com
June 3rd at 11:00pm
Billy Donovan is having second thoughts.
According to two sources close to the situation, the former Florida coach, who accepted the Orlando Magic job on Friday, is attempting to return to Gainesville.
Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Magic late last week, but has approached both sides about getting out of the deal.
According to one source, Donovan was forced to make a rash decision by the Magic management — and he regretted it shortly after agreeing to the contract.
Speculation centered on VCU coach and former Gators assistant Anthony Grant replacing Donovan quickly. In fact, Grant was slated to meet with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley on Saturday morning.
However, shortly after landing in Virginia, Foley had to return due to an emergency. One source confirmed that the emergency was that Donovan contacted Foley about returning.
Grant addressed the situation in a statement released by VCU.
"Due to the amount of media speculation regarding my involvement with the University of Florida coaching vacancy, I felt it necessary to address the situation," Grant said in the statement. "I have been contacted by the University of Florida regarding the coaching vacancy.
"I have not had any in-person contact with any Florida representative, nor have I been offered the job," Grant continued. "At this point, I will have no further comment on the situation. All my focus is on my responsibilities at VCU."
Grant, 41, is considered the clear-cut favorite to take the place of Donovan. Grant coached alongside Donovan for a decade at Florida and two seasons at Marshall and led VCU to the second round of the NCAA tournament this past season after a first-round upset of Duke.
Donovan, 42, led the Gators to consecutive national titles over the past two seasons and was slated to sign a seven-year deal worth approximately $3.5 million annually. The deal was still in the process of being approved when he accepted the deal with the Magic.
Donovan was introduced by the Orlando Magic at a news conference on Friday
http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/6883162
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10 comments:
Is this true?!? I mean, makes sense that Foley flies to Virginia and doesn't see Grant...my stomach burns...someone tell us Gator fans whats going on!
What's going on? Both Foley and the Magic have been silent...I've seen the internet reports and the stuff on sports radio (Steve Russell in Gainesville) but what's the deal? We want our coach back!!
Billy, come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Will the real Billy D please stand up?
Bring me Billy D. Someone go get him from Orlando...
It's a good past time to keep up with the Billy saga!!!
I wonder if the Gainesville sun annoucing Billy left will become a collector's item? Lol
Ahhh, Billy, don't rip out our hearts. We just got done burying you...
Let's all stay up late and follow the Donovan saga :)
Thanks for writing this.
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