Billy D's future

BasX · Mar 26, 2009

Rumblings in the Bluegrass State have Billy Gillispie out as Kentucky basketball coach as soon as Friday, with Florida coach Billy Donovan already agreeing in principle to become his hand-picked successor.

A private plane was tracked from going to Gainesville to Montgomery Airport in Mount Sterling, Ky. (a small airport outside of Lexington) to South Bend, Ind., (where Kentucky played Notre Dame) on Wednesday. Of course, that plane could have been carrying equine supplies. Or it could have been carrying Florida coach Billy Donovan and Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart.

Donovan just completed the second year of a six year extension he signed last October which pays him an average of $3.5 million annually. According to terms of the contract, there is a one-month window (from March 1 to April 1) in which either side could walk away without significant financial recourse. Donovan would need to provide written notification before April 1 to leave. Otherwise, he would have to pay a $500,000 buyout. Donovan would also pass up a $400,000 loyalty bonus.

Another factor in regards to Florida giving Kentucky permission to speak with Donovan could hinge on the availability of ex-UF assistant and current Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant. Grant is in deep discussions with Alabama in regards to the head coaching position there. A reliable source has relayed that that Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley wants assurances that Grant would be available if Donovan was to leave. It makes sense. Foley said after the fact that Grant was his first and only choice when Donovan left briefly for the Orlando Magic less than two years ago.

Some other factors:

-- Donovan's eldest son, Billy, is in his junior year at St. Francis High in Gainesville. Would Donovan want to uproot his family before his son's senior year?

-- How would Donovan feel about playing/recruiting against his mentor, Louisville coach Rick Pitino, every year? A reliable source has told me that Pitino is trying to talk Donovan out of the move.

-- A reliable athletic department source told me Thursday afternoon that the story at this point has been driven by "media speculation" and that Donovan is currently in the state of Florida.
Click to expand...

http://brockblog.gainesville.com/default.asp?item=2355077&mode=

BasX · Mar 27, 2009

Donovan 'committed' to Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida coach Billy Donovan says he isn't going anywhere.

Donovan made it clear Friday he has no interest in the Kentucky job or any other opening, reaffirming his desire to stay in Gainesville and get the Gators back to the NCAA tournament.

"In response to the rumors circulating about my interest in other jobs, I wanted to address this as quickly as possible," Donovan said in a statement. "I am committed to the University of Florida and look forward to continuing to build our program here."

Kentucky fired coach Billy Gillispie on Friday, creating an opening at one of college basketball's premier programs and prompting speculation that Donovan would again be the top target to return to the Bluegrass State. Donovan spent five years as an assistant under Rick Pitino in Lexington, learning all about Kentucky's unrivaled fan base and unrealistic expectations.

Nonetheless, Donovan spurned a chance to take over the tradition-rich program in April 2007, turning down athletic director Mitch Barnhart before he even offered him the job. Donovan didn't even let it get that far this time around. His statement was released minutes after Barnhart announced Gillispie's dismissal.

Florida officials, including athletic director Jeremy Foley, don't expect Donovan to waver on his word, either.

Nearly two months after turning down Kentucky in 2007, Donovan took a job with the NBA's Orlando Magic but changed his mind after just a couple days on the job. He returned to Gainesville, got ripped nationally for his flip-flop decision and apologized profusely to everyone involved.

Donovan eventually signed a six-year contract that pays $3.5 million annually. The deal includes a clause stating that Donovan and his agent cannot directly or indirectly explore, discuss or negotiate any employment with any other school or professional team without Foley's written approval.

Foley said Kentucky never requested permission to talk to Donovan.

The Gators are 310-126 in 13 seasons under Donovan, who has vowed to get the Gators on the same level as storied basketball programs like Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, Duke and UCLA. He still has work to do.

Florida became the first national champion since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985 to miss the NCAA tournament in consecutive years. Florida finished 25-11 this season and lost in the quarterfinals of the NIT.

The Gators could return four starters and most of their reserves next season. They also have highly touted guard Kenny Boynton and Georgetown transfer Vernon Macklin waiting to take the court.

Nonetheless, some felt Donovan might be ready for a new challenge, especially after the last two seasons, and Kentucky offers a place where basketball is king.

Then again, Donovan has put down deep roots in Gainesville with his wife and four children. His parents also live nearby.
Click to expand...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4022074

Log in or Sign up

Billy D's future

BasX I Win

BasX I Win

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Billy D's future

Moderators

BasX I Win

BasX I Win

Share This Page

Useful Searches