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Vaught's Views: Donovan ready to rejoin Florida

June 04, 2007|LARRY VAUGHT

Just when it looked like all the drama with Billy Donovan was over, it might not be.

FoxSports.com, citing two anonymous sources, reported on Sunday night that Donovan was having second thoughts about becoming head coach of the NBA's Orlando Magic and was trying to return to Florida where he won the last two national championships.

Donovan, 42, agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Magic on Thursday, but apparently the NBA team realizes Donovan is Gator-bound based on this statement released today by Joel Glass, vice president for communications for the Magic:

"While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at him since that time. Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA. We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue."

Just a few days ago Donovan said he had always been intrigued by coaching in the NBA and had the blessing of his mentor, Rick Pitino, to try the challenge. Maybe now Donovan remembers how Pitino failed - and tarnished his legacy - by leaving the dynasty he was creating at Kentucky for the money and challenge of coaching the Boston Celtics. Pitino is now back at Louisville, but he's yet to establish the same highly ranked program that he had at Kentucky.

Donovan's strength has always been his passion. Maybe he was tired of recruiting. Maybe he knows he can't keep his success going at Florida. But maybe now he also realizes coaching in college is a lot more fun - and still very profitable - compared to the NBA.

Back in a heartbeat

Will Florida take him back? In a heartbeat.

Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley was in Virginia on Saturday to all but anoint Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant, a long-time Florida assistant under Donovan, as the Gators next coach. But when Foley learned Donovan was having second thoughts, he headed back to Florida to meet with Donovan without talking to Grant. What does that tell you?

It told Grant enough to make a statement about his status.

"I have been contacted by the University of Florida regarding their coaching vacancy," Grant said in a statement. "I have not had any in-person contact with any Florida representative, nor have I been offered the job.

"At this point in time, I will have no further comment on this situation as my focus is on my responsibilities at VCU."

Good thing since it seems obvious now that Billy D. will be back at Florida.

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