Billy Donovan is expected to become the next coach of the Orlando Magic after he was presented with a substantial contract offer, officials with the NBA team told the Orlando Sentinel.
Donovan, 42, is coming off back-to-back NCAA titles with the Florida Gators. He was in the midst of negotiations for a contract extension at Florida when the offer arrived.
Donovan would be replacing Brian Hill, who was fired last week after back-to-back losing seasons. Two league sources had told the Sentinel on Tuesday that the Magic had been in contact with Donovan's agent, Lonnie Cooper. When asked about the job Wednesday, though, Donovan said he had not spoken with the Magic.
The University of Florida had been making plans to announce Donovan's contract extension next week. On Wednesday night, though, the Magic made a firm offer to Donovan.
Donovan would become the eighth head coach of the franchise.
The Gators beat Ohio State this spring in the national championship game for their second title in a row, but he was losing his top six players.
Donovan repeatedly has said that the NBA "intrigued him,'' but also said he was happy with the college game. Donovan has no NBA coaching experience, but he played briefly with the New York Knicks for coach Rick Pitino.
Before coming to the Gators, he was the head coach at Marshall University.
ESPN is reporting that Billy Donovan may be asked to refrain from coaching in the NBA for five years if he ends up wiggling out of his contract with the Orlando Magic.
Donovan has secured legal representation and is working with the Magic in order to void the contract he signed on Friday. All indications are that he will not coach the Magic and will return to the University of Florida. Legal negotiations could carry on for a few days as the details are worked out
Last edited by jdk82 on June 5 07, 1:31 pm, edited 2 times in total.
TimeForGuinness wrote:ESPN is reporting that he is trying to get out of his contract and go BACK to Florida.
Wow.
Ridiculous. Pick a team and dedicate your loyalty to it. Florida will probably take him back, though.
of course they would.. it would help them not have to find another coach..
I just know if Im a potential NBA team if he gets out of this contract then he becomes a lifer in the NCAA cause I sure as hell wouldnt want to "sign him" and then have him say he doesnt want to be there...
guess he thinks this is a college job where he can sign a contract and then turn around and say he doesnt want to be there... The Magic just invested 25 million in you over 5 years.. you think they are going to let you walk away?
Apparently the Magic sold a truckload of season tickets the day after announcing him as coach. I wonder how those fans are feeling about now. I'd be asking for a refund......
