ORLANDO (AP) -- After leading Florida to two national titles, Billy Donovan has agreed to leave the Gators to coach the Orlando Magic, an official in the NBA told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been finalized, said Donovan agreed to a five-year, $27.5 million contract.
Donovan, who turned down an offer in April to coach Kentucky, replaces Brian Hill, who was fired after two consecutive losing seasons.
Speculation that Donovan would leave Gainesville seemed to end after he turned down Kentucky and said, "I love the University of Florida." He was also linked to the Memphis Grizzlies' job, but never had formal talks with them and repeatedly refused to comment about any open coaching positions. He said he intended to sign an extension at Florida, where he was making $1.7 million annually.
I think this is a bad move for him but it is a pay raise and the right time for him. With the team roster changing since all those guys went pro it was the right time for a move but to Orlando??? This will end up like Spurrier when he left UF for NFL....coaching in pro leagues is much different and success is hard. I see Billy back in college coaching in 5 years.
thoughts?
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