By TIM SULLIVAN
Special to The Sun (from GatorSports.com)
http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20070524/GATORS02/705240366/Donovan_could_get_Magic_call
NEW YORK - He's had talks with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Orlando Magic could be next.But if Florida coach Billy Donovan is truly interested in an NBA opening, well, he's about as tough to crack these days as his pressure defense.Donovan, here Wednesday to accept the prestigious New York Athletic Club's Winged Foot award along with Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt, spoke with conviction and sincerity as he addressed his future following back-to-back NCAA titles in Gainesville.He acknowledged that he spoke with Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley recently, but made clear the meeting was "not about the job." He also exchanged the common pleasantries with the media about being back in his hometown, about returning for the NBA Draft next month, and about how important an area this is to recruit.But the focus, clearly, was on Florida and the program's next step, be it with him or anyone else. He gave a distinct update on his contract negotiations with Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley ... making sure the door was left open."We've sat down, we've talked," Donovan said. "I kind of know where things are at and I feel good about it. People think I'm trying to hold things up, but I'm fine. I'm ready to move forward. Whenever they tell me (the contract) is finalized, I'm fine."Donovan, also romanced by Kentucky following the Gators' 84-75 victory over Ohio State in the national title game April 2, has two years remaining on a deal that pays $1.7 million annually. He has taken Florida to three Final Fours and nine consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances."I'd like to get it done," Donovan said of the deal. "It's not me. I would have liked to have done it a couple of days after (the season.)"The potential fly in the ointment, however, is the Magic opening, created when Orlando and Brian Hill negotiated an exit deal Wednesday. Hill, in his second stint with the Magic, went 40-42 this season and lost to Detroit in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Donovan has said in the past NBA coaching has "intrigued" him because it's strictly basketball.Donovan, most likely, would have to compete with some available NBA heavyweights for that job - Larry Brown, Paul Silas, Stan Van Gundy and Rick Carlisle, among them - but he'd clearly be near the top of Orlando's list. Shortly after Hill was let go, Donovan, at one point, led an orlandosentinel.com poll of 10 candidates to become the Magic's next coach, receiving 34.1 percent of the votes.In the interim, though - perhaps sending an unintentional intentional message to Foley - it's all about the Gators."Really," Donovan said, "it's in their hands right now."Foley did not return a phone call Wednesday night.Last week, Foley denied a report that the school and Donovan were closing in on a seven-year extension worth $3.5 million. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.Though Donovan has repeatedly assured he expects a deal to get done soon, fan anxiety is growing. A Florida alumnus recently created a Web site, KeepBillyDonovan.com, to track the daily speculation surrounding Donovan's future.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Keep Billy? Fire Billy? We're Confused
Posted May 23rd 2007 4:06PM by Ryan Ferguson
Billy Donovan's contract saga has built enough momentum to spawn websites dedicated to re-hiring Florida's championship head coach.From KeepBillyDonovan.com:
"Where's Billy's Contract? What's taking this long? Is he leaving the University of Florida for the NBA? Will Billy be coaching the Magic? I am Fred Marks, a Gator fan and I created www.keepbillydonovan.com with the goal of persuading UF supporters to do all they can to make sure coach Billy Donovan remains at Florida."
I suppose you could call this site the one-dimensional inverse of FireBilly.com, a site dedicated to Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie -- although that site is (perversely?) dedicated to keeping, not firing, Billy G. around as well.Keep Billy D. Fire Billy G.?Strange times in the blogosphere. Strange times.
http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/05/23/keep-billy-fire-billy-were-confused/
Billy Donovan's contract saga has built enough momentum to spawn websites dedicated to re-hiring Florida's championship head coach.From KeepBillyDonovan.com:
"Where's Billy's Contract? What's taking this long? Is he leaving the University of Florida for the NBA? Will Billy be coaching the Magic? I am Fred Marks, a Gator fan and I created www.keepbillydonovan.com with the goal of persuading UF supporters to do all they can to make sure coach Billy Donovan remains at Florida."
I suppose you could call this site the one-dimensional inverse of FireBilly.com, a site dedicated to Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie -- although that site is (perversely?) dedicated to keeping, not firing, Billy G. around as well.Keep Billy D. Fire Billy G.?Strange times in the blogosphere. Strange times.
http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/05/23/keep-billy-fire-billy-were-confused/
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Donovan among possible candidates for Memphis jobs
Monday May 21, 2007
By The Associated Press
Tenn. -- Memphis Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley has interviewed at least six candidates to fill the open head coach and general manager positions for the NBA club.
According to reports from The Commercial Appeal, Heisley has interviewed Phoenix Suns assistant coach Marc Iavaroni and Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
He's also spoken with former New York Knicks Coach Larry Brown, former Marshall and current University of Florida Coach Billy Donovan, Boston Celtics General Manager and Buckhannon native Chris Wallace and former Denver executive Kiki Vandeweghe.
Heisley says he's taking his time while considering who will replace Coach Mike Fratello and President and General Manager Jerry West.
Fratello was fired in December and temporarily replaced by Tony Barone Sr. West announced last month he would leave once his contract ends June 30.
The Grizzlies went from the playoffs to the NBA's worst record at 22-60 in one season.
http://www.dailymail.com/story/Sports/200705218/Donovan-among-possible-candidates-for-Memphis-jobs/
By The Associated Press
Tenn. -- Memphis Grizzlies Owner Michael Heisley has interviewed at least six candidates to fill the open head coach and general manager positions for the NBA club.
According to reports from The Commercial Appeal, Heisley has interviewed Phoenix Suns assistant coach Marc Iavaroni and Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.
He's also spoken with former New York Knicks Coach Larry Brown, former Marshall and current University of Florida Coach Billy Donovan, Boston Celtics General Manager and Buckhannon native Chris Wallace and former Denver executive Kiki Vandeweghe.
Heisley says he's taking his time while considering who will replace Coach Mike Fratello and President and General Manager Jerry West.
Fratello was fired in December and temporarily replaced by Tony Barone Sr. West announced last month he would leave once his contract ends June 30.
The Grizzlies went from the playoffs to the NBA's worst record at 22-60 in one season.
http://www.dailymail.com/story/Sports/200705218/Donovan-among-possible-candidates-for-Memphis-jobs/
Monday, May 21, 2007
AD: Report on contract for Donovan 'not true'
By Lindsay Jones
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2007
GAINESVILLE — Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley on Friday called a report published on ESPN.com about a new contract for basketball coach Billy Donovan "not true."
Foley said he and Donovan still are in negotiations and that no contract has been completed.
Once Donovan and Foley agree to terms, a contract must be approved by the University's compensation committee and President Bernie Machen.
"None of that is done yet," Foley said.
Foley said neither he nor Donovan has a specific timetable for finishing the coach's new contract. Foley did not want to discuss the particulars of the ESPN.com report but said the story as a whole was "not accurate." Foley said he and Donovan briefly discussed the report Friday morning.
The report published Thursday cited unnamed sources and said Donovan was close to signing a seven-year deal worth an average of $3.5 million a year guaranteed.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/05/19/a8c_ufhoops_0519.html
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 19, 2007
GAINESVILLE — Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley on Friday called a report published on ESPN.com about a new contract for basketball coach Billy Donovan "not true."
Foley said he and Donovan still are in negotiations and that no contract has been completed.
Once Donovan and Foley agree to terms, a contract must be approved by the University's compensation committee and President Bernie Machen.
"None of that is done yet," Foley said.
Foley said neither he nor Donovan has a specific timetable for finishing the coach's new contract. Foley did not want to discuss the particulars of the ESPN.com report but said the story as a whole was "not accurate." Foley said he and Donovan briefly discussed the report Friday morning.
The report published Thursday cited unnamed sources and said Donovan was close to signing a seven-year deal worth an average of $3.5 million a year guaranteed.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2007/05/19/a8c_ufhoops_0519.html
Donovan rumors just rumors, Foley says
By Michael DiRocco, The Florida Times-Union
May 19th 2007
GAINESVILLE - Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley is convinced that Billy Donovan will be on the Gators' bench next season - but he wouldn't be surprised if he hears the basketball coach's name linked to the Houston Rockets' just-opened vacancy. In fact, Donovan could be linked to any other NBA or major college opening this year or in the future.
That's an unwanted accompaniment to Florida's back-to-back NCAA titles: Donovan is a hot commodity.
"You've got a quality coach, people want [to hire him]," Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley said Friday during Florida's baseball game against Tennessee. "I don't worry about that. The University of Florida doesn't worry about that. Billy's made it pretty clear that he's committed to the University of Florida, so I can't help rumors and never have worried about rumors."
Most of those rumors concern the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, who fired coach Mike Fratello in late December, met with Donovan earlier this month. A Yahoo.com report said Donovan wanted total control of the franchise, and while the Grizzlies were willing to pay him $5 million per year, they weren't willing to give him that control.
If the Magic decides to part ways with coach Brian Hill, it's speculated by various media outlets that the team will make a run at Donovan, who didn't return several phone messages left by the Times-Union.
However, Foley is convinced that Donovan won't be going anywhere any time soon.
"The bottom line is Billy Donovan always tells me what's going on, so if he was going to go interview with someone or sit down and talk to somebody. ... Billy and I have a relationship [and] as such, I know exactly what he's doing," Foley said. "Every time I hear a rumor about him, I don't call him. He's got better things to do, and I've got better things to do."
Yet Foley knows that Donovan - who's 261-103 in 11 seasons - might not finish his career in Gainesville.
Donovan has said in the past that he's intrigued by the NBA, and he eventually might want to follow the same route as his friend and mentor, current Louisville coach Rick Pitino, who left Kentucky for the Boston Celtics in 1998.
Foley could eventually face the same situation with football coach Urban Meyer, who has won Southeastern Conference and national championships in just two seasons at Florida. With that kind of success, it's only a matter of time before the NFL comes sniffing at Meyer.
"At some point in time, if either one of those coaches decides that that's what they want to do with their lives, we're not going to be able to control it anyway," Foley said. "All we've always worried about is what we can control. We try to treat them fairly. We're proactive with their contracts, but at some point in time, if Billy Donovan says, 'You know, I want to coach in the NBA,' and Urban says, 'I want to coach in the NFL,' just like with coach [Steve] Spurrier, there's nothing you can do."
Still, Foley is doing his best to make sure Donovan and Meyer don't leave because of financial issues. The school is working on contract extensions for both coaches, with annual salaries expected to be in the $3 million to $4 million range.
Foley has refuted an ESPN.com report that Donovan is close to signing the extension, saying the two sides are still negotiating terms and the contract cannot be completed until it's approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.
A meeting to do that hasn't been scheduled, according to Foley.
"It'll get done when it gets done," Foley said. "At some point in time, that will get done, Urban's will get done, and the University of Florida will announce it when it is done."
May 19th 2007
GAINESVILLE - Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley is convinced that Billy Donovan will be on the Gators' bench next season - but he wouldn't be surprised if he hears the basketball coach's name linked to the Houston Rockets' just-opened vacancy. In fact, Donovan could be linked to any other NBA or major college opening this year or in the future.
That's an unwanted accompaniment to Florida's back-to-back NCAA titles: Donovan is a hot commodity.
"You've got a quality coach, people want [to hire him]," Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley said Friday during Florida's baseball game against Tennessee. "I don't worry about that. The University of Florida doesn't worry about that. Billy's made it pretty clear that he's committed to the University of Florida, so I can't help rumors and never have worried about rumors."
Most of those rumors concern the Memphis Grizzlies and the Orlando Magic.
Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, who fired coach Mike Fratello in late December, met with Donovan earlier this month. A Yahoo.com report said Donovan wanted total control of the franchise, and while the Grizzlies were willing to pay him $5 million per year, they weren't willing to give him that control.
If the Magic decides to part ways with coach Brian Hill, it's speculated by various media outlets that the team will make a run at Donovan, who didn't return several phone messages left by the Times-Union.
However, Foley is convinced that Donovan won't be going anywhere any time soon.
"The bottom line is Billy Donovan always tells me what's going on, so if he was going to go interview with someone or sit down and talk to somebody. ... Billy and I have a relationship [and] as such, I know exactly what he's doing," Foley said. "Every time I hear a rumor about him, I don't call him. He's got better things to do, and I've got better things to do."
Yet Foley knows that Donovan - who's 261-103 in 11 seasons - might not finish his career in Gainesville.
Donovan has said in the past that he's intrigued by the NBA, and he eventually might want to follow the same route as his friend and mentor, current Louisville coach Rick Pitino, who left Kentucky for the Boston Celtics in 1998.
Foley could eventually face the same situation with football coach Urban Meyer, who has won Southeastern Conference and national championships in just two seasons at Florida. With that kind of success, it's only a matter of time before the NFL comes sniffing at Meyer.
"At some point in time, if either one of those coaches decides that that's what they want to do with their lives, we're not going to be able to control it anyway," Foley said. "All we've always worried about is what we can control. We try to treat them fairly. We're proactive with their contracts, but at some point in time, if Billy Donovan says, 'You know, I want to coach in the NBA,' and Urban says, 'I want to coach in the NFL,' just like with coach [Steve] Spurrier, there's nothing you can do."
Still, Foley is doing his best to make sure Donovan and Meyer don't leave because of financial issues. The school is working on contract extensions for both coaches, with annual salaries expected to be in the $3 million to $4 million range.
Foley has refuted an ESPN.com report that Donovan is close to signing the extension, saying the two sides are still negotiating terms and the contract cannot be completed until it's approved by the University Athletic Association's compensation committee.
A meeting to do that hasn't been scheduled, according to Foley.
"It'll get done when it gets done," Foley said. "At some point in time, that will get done, Urban's will get done, and the University of Florida will announce it when it is done."
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."
http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGB8XDHQU1F.html
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."
http://sports.tbo.com/sports/MGB8XDHQU1F.html
Donovan: 'I'm ready to go forward'
KEVIN BROCKWAY
Sun sports writer (Gainesville Sun)
May 19. 2007
Florida coach Billy Donovan returned to town this week focused on trying to hire a new assistant coach.Then a report surfaced that he was close to signing the richest coaching contract in college basketball history."I was surprised to hear that," Donovan said.Donovan said Friday that negotiations are progressing on a contract extension, but a deal hasn't been finalized."I still think we're a bit a ways away," Donovan said. "I'm ready to go forward, but there's a process that's involved and I respect that process."On Thursday night, ESPN.com, citing an unnamed source, reported that Donovan was close to signing a seven-year contract extension worth an average of $3.5 million. That would put Donovan ahead of Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina's Roy Williams as the highest paid coach in college basketball. Both are believed to make an average annual salary of $3 million, which includes outside endorsements.On Friday, Donovan denied that those figures were accurate."To me, that's not what I've been told," Donovan said. "We haven't even gotten to that point yet."Donovan said that he has discussed parameters of a deal with athletic director Jeremy Foley. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association compensation committee. Foley denied the report Thursday night, saying that he is still working on the athletic budget for next season.At some point, Donovan said that he will meet with Foley and University President Dr. Bernie Machen to continue negotiations. Donovan said that he will handle the negotiations alone with Machen and Foley, then have an attorney read over the contract language if a deal is finalized."There's no go-between person," Donovan said. "I've got to be the one that's making the decision."The meeting hasn't occurred yet because of Donovan's frenetic schedule since the end of the season last April. Donovan spent most of the rest of last month recruiting after losing his four starting juniors to the NBA draft.Last week, Donovan was in Ireland on a golfing trip with college friends. Then last weekend, Donovan attended a 20-year reunion commemorating the 1987 Providence basketball team that reached the Final Four.Donovan, who will turn 42 on May 30, guided Florida to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. Negotiations for an extension started after Florida won the first of its titles in 2006, but Donovan opted to put it off, saying he didn't want to cash in on the success of his returning players.Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer bypassed the NBA draft last year for a chance to become the first team since Duke in 1992 to repeat as national champions. Florida completed the mission with an 84-75 win over Ohio State last April in the NCAA Tournament Finals.In his 11 seasons at Florida, Donovan is 261-103, coaching the Gators to nine straight 20-win seasons and nine-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070519/LOCAL/70519001/-1/news
Sun sports writer (Gainesville Sun)
May 19. 2007
Florida coach Billy Donovan returned to town this week focused on trying to hire a new assistant coach.Then a report surfaced that he was close to signing the richest coaching contract in college basketball history."I was surprised to hear that," Donovan said.Donovan said Friday that negotiations are progressing on a contract extension, but a deal hasn't been finalized."I still think we're a bit a ways away," Donovan said. "I'm ready to go forward, but there's a process that's involved and I respect that process."On Thursday night, ESPN.com, citing an unnamed source, reported that Donovan was close to signing a seven-year contract extension worth an average of $3.5 million. That would put Donovan ahead of Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina's Roy Williams as the highest paid coach in college basketball. Both are believed to make an average annual salary of $3 million, which includes outside endorsements.On Friday, Donovan denied that those figures were accurate."To me, that's not what I've been told," Donovan said. "We haven't even gotten to that point yet."Donovan said that he has discussed parameters of a deal with athletic director Jeremy Foley. Any deal must be approved by the University Athletic Association compensation committee. Foley denied the report Thursday night, saying that he is still working on the athletic budget for next season.At some point, Donovan said that he will meet with Foley and University President Dr. Bernie Machen to continue negotiations. Donovan said that he will handle the negotiations alone with Machen and Foley, then have an attorney read over the contract language if a deal is finalized."There's no go-between person," Donovan said. "I've got to be the one that's making the decision."The meeting hasn't occurred yet because of Donovan's frenetic schedule since the end of the season last April. Donovan spent most of the rest of last month recruiting after losing his four starting juniors to the NBA draft.Last week, Donovan was in Ireland on a golfing trip with college friends. Then last weekend, Donovan attended a 20-year reunion commemorating the 1987 Providence basketball team that reached the Final Four.Donovan, who will turn 42 on May 30, guided Florida to back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. Negotiations for an extension started after Florida won the first of its titles in 2006, but Donovan opted to put it off, saying he didn't want to cash in on the success of his returning players.Joakim Noah, Al Horford and Corey Brewer bypassed the NBA draft last year for a chance to become the first team since Duke in 1992 to repeat as national champions. Florida completed the mission with an 84-75 win over Ohio State last April in the NCAA Tournament Finals.In his 11 seasons at Florida, Donovan is 261-103, coaching the Gators to nine straight 20-win seasons and nine-straight NCAA Tournament appearances.
http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070519/LOCAL/70519001/-1/news
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