By The Florida Times-Union
University of Florida men basketball coach Billy Donovan is expected to bolt the school for a lucrative offer from the NBA Orlando Magic, according to multiple national media reports.
Donovan, fresh off leading the Gators to their second consecutive NCAA championship, reportedly was close to signing a contract extension with Florida that would pay him $2.5 million per year.
But the Magic swooped in late Wednesday night with an offer of $6 million per year that swayed Donovan to replace the fired Brian Hill, The Orlando Sentinel and ESPN.com reported.
CBS SportsLine reported that Donovan was "a lock" to take the Magic's offer.
Florida officials were unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon. Magic officials didn return phone calls seeking comment.
The timing couldn be worse for the Gators if Donovan accepts the offer. Most of the top candidates already have accepted jobs elsewhere, and whoever was hired would face a major rebuilding job after Florida lost all five starters from its back-to-back championship teams to graduation or the NBA Draft.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/053107/spo_173990930.shtml
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Plenty of storylines from world of sports
Not to add to the existing pressure and speculation, but
Florida Today
Peter Kerasotis May 27th, 2007
"...did anybody else notice that Donovan's statement Thursday was both well-worded and weak? Said Billy, "My focus is on coaching at the University of Florida." Oooh. That should silence speculation.
Just like when the Kentucky job was open, Billy still can't utter the four words that would stop runaway rumors: I am not interested. It's really not that hard. But he can't do it..
Even if Donovan does sign his contract extension with UF (and I think the signing of the Treaty of Versailles happened quicker), he's created a lot of doubt for future recruits. Really, does anyone believe he won't one day go to the NBA?. . ."
View the article in it's entirety:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/COLUMNISTS0306/705270330/1065/SPORTS
Florida Today
Peter Kerasotis May 27th, 2007
"...did anybody else notice that Donovan's statement Thursday was both well-worded and weak? Said Billy, "My focus is on coaching at the University of Florida." Oooh. That should silence speculation.
Just like when the Kentucky job was open, Billy still can't utter the four words that would stop runaway rumors: I am not interested. It's really not that hard. But he can't do it..
Even if Donovan does sign his contract extension with UF (and I think the signing of the Treaty of Versailles happened quicker), he's created a lot of doubt for future recruits. Really, does anyone believe he won't one day go to the NBA?. . ."
View the article in it's entirety:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/COLUMNISTS0306/705270330/1065/SPORTS
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Magic Not Yet Contact Billy D...Is It Only a Matter of Time?
Brian Schmitz Orlando Sentinel
May 26, 2007
The team would like to have a coach in place by July 1 to look more attractive to high-profile free agents.
The Orlando Magic might take awhile to find a new coach, but the search won't spill into July.The Magic want a coach in place to replace Brian Hill at least by late June before the green flag drops on free agency July 1. They want a free agent to know who will be on the sideline in Orlando -- and a new coach presumably would want input on personnel.
The deadline to land a coach normally would come before the June 28 NBA draft -- Hill was hired May 24, 2005 -- but the Magic aren't as pressed because they do not have a first-round choice. They dealt the pick to the Detroit Pistons a little more than a year ago, sending it and center Kelvin Cato to the Pistons for power forward Darko Milicic and point guard Carlos Arroyo. The Pistons will pick No. 15.
"It's more of, 'How do we answer a question from a free agent who wants to come here?' than it is about the draft," Magic President Bob Vander Weide said of the coaching-search timetable. "It would be nice to have somebody there so we could look like a full complement of an organization to a free agent.
"It's a critical summer for the Magic, who will have $10 million to $13 million to spend on a free agent or free agents such as Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter. That money figure will fluctuate depending on how much it will take to re-sign forward Darko Milicic.
Vander Weide said Thursday the Magic will start calling and trying to set up visits with prospective head coaches.
A person with knowledge of the situation said that as of late Friday afternoon, the Magic had not formally contacted Florida Coach Billy Donovan.
Former Miami Heat Coach Stan Van Gundy said Friday the Magic have not contacted him, but he's interested.
"I'm hopeful. It's a situation I'd definitely be interested in," said Van Gundy, whose wife's mother lives in Lake Mary.
"It's a situation, obviously, where they've got some great young pieces in a desirable place to live." Van Gundy said he recently turned down an offer to coach the Indiana Pacers. He said he had interviewed for the head-coaching positions with the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats hired former Magic guard Sam Vincent on Friday.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2607may26,0,7005749.story?coll=orl-magic
May 26, 2007
The team would like to have a coach in place by July 1 to look more attractive to high-profile free agents.
The Orlando Magic might take awhile to find a new coach, but the search won't spill into July.The Magic want a coach in place to replace Brian Hill at least by late June before the green flag drops on free agency July 1. They want a free agent to know who will be on the sideline in Orlando -- and a new coach presumably would want input on personnel.
The deadline to land a coach normally would come before the June 28 NBA draft -- Hill was hired May 24, 2005 -- but the Magic aren't as pressed because they do not have a first-round choice. They dealt the pick to the Detroit Pistons a little more than a year ago, sending it and center Kelvin Cato to the Pistons for power forward Darko Milicic and point guard Carlos Arroyo. The Pistons will pick No. 15.
"It's more of, 'How do we answer a question from a free agent who wants to come here?' than it is about the draft," Magic President Bob Vander Weide said of the coaching-search timetable. "It would be nice to have somebody there so we could look like a full complement of an organization to a free agent.
"It's a critical summer for the Magic, who will have $10 million to $13 million to spend on a free agent or free agents such as Chauncey Billups, Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter. That money figure will fluctuate depending on how much it will take to re-sign forward Darko Milicic.
Vander Weide said Thursday the Magic will start calling and trying to set up visits with prospective head coaches.
A person with knowledge of the situation said that as of late Friday afternoon, the Magic had not formally contacted Florida Coach Billy Donovan.
Former Miami Heat Coach Stan Van Gundy said Friday the Magic have not contacted him, but he's interested.
"I'm hopeful. It's a situation I'd definitely be interested in," said Van Gundy, whose wife's mother lives in Lake Mary.
"It's a situation, obviously, where they've got some great young pieces in a desirable place to live." Van Gundy said he recently turned down an offer to coach the Indiana Pacers. He said he had interviewed for the head-coaching positions with the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats hired former Magic guard Sam Vincent on Friday.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-magic2607may26,0,7005749.story?coll=orl-magic
Friday, May 25, 2007
Donovan could get Magic call
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.
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.
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
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