I don't think he has officially made the announcement, but all indications are that it's true. I'm bummed and have to change my signature. Gator Bill
George, Does that include the Yankees? :lol: I wonder how some of those recruits feel now? I am sure there a lot of unhappy Gator fans. Don
If it happens, and it sounds like it will, how can you be surprised in this day and age that money speaks louder than loyalty? I really like Donovan and consider him a class act. But when someone is willing to provide you and your family with a security blanket of $27.5 million over 5 years, you have to consider it.......and accept the offer. If he leaves, FL fans should focus on the positive. They had him long enough to win back-to-back championships. They should be thankful for that and wish him well in his new endeavor.
I have to be a realist on this....Foley cannot match up to an offer of 6 million dollars per year when he also has to pay big dollars to Urban Meyer, the other national championship coach on campus. The NBA job being in Orlando would also allow Billy D to keep his family in Gainesville. Can't blame Billy in the least and can't blame Foley.
McDonalds All-American and Gator signee, Jai Lucas of Houston, has said he is disappointed and may consider requesting his release from Florida. I think the thing here is that all the moves have been made in college coaching, those coaches who were up and comming have either moved on or have had their contracts upped and sweetened after the season. So the Gators are looking at a thin group of candidates. Terry
George... <t>I doubt he does well in the pros but going from 1.7 to 5.5 who in their right mind wouldn't take it? No matter what he does in the NBA he can almost name his college job if he opts to coach there again. The guy earned his position with the great job at Florida.</t>
I heard one analyst say this morning on ESPN that a logical candidate would be the guy (can't remember his name) who was BD's asst. for about 10 years and was head coach this year at VA Commonwealth, the team that beat Duke in the 1st round. The same analyst also mentioned Jay (last name Wright?) of Villanova FWIW.
I just got back from an outing with company here in the North Carolina Mountains or I would have posted this earlier. Anthony Grant is the coach Sid is talking about and some reports from GatorCountry indicate it may be a done deal. I'm hoping so, he looks like a good replacement. As to Donovan's salary, it was 1.7 million, but only because he didn't accept a raise last year, negoations were going on, in fact many think completed, that would have paid him more than 3 million. I do wish Billy well, but there's a part of me that wonders just why you would leave as secure a job where he would have been paid with the elite College coaches for many years to come. The NBA is something else and being successful there is a different story and most are not successful. I'll root for Billy but will not become an NBA fan and there's a side of me that is really dissappointed in him. But I wish him well and thank him for putting Gator basketball on the map. Gator Bill
I certainly understand, Bill. I'd feel the same way if it was my coach who had the success that BD has had. I follow the NBA in only a casual way because of the Pacers, but I don't consider myself by any stretch an NBA fan.
Bill... <t>I feel for the Gator fans as losing this guy has to hurt. I despise the NBA and its element. Have not watched an NBA game in over five years nor plan to.</t>
The NBA college-coach-tombstones are quite a few....ask Rick Pitino Orlando Magic will not go anywhere unless the franchise is poised to spend the huge dollars to get better real fast.....the way I see it Coach Donovan has a free pass for about three years at 5.5M/per....so if the roof crashes on him he'll earn in three years what it would have taken almost ten at UF.....and thats not counting a buyout of his two remaining years. How can you say no to that? Then again....how tough is it to survive on a miserable 1.8 M per year?
Gonzo, I am going to surprise you and agree with everything you say except what Donovan would have made had he stayed at Florida, he would have made 3.5 million a year which makes your last statement about how tough would it be to live on 1.8 million a year even more meaningful because it would have been 3.5 million a year. And that contract was agreed to in principal and waiting administrative approval. Here is a link to Anthony Grant who appears to be our next coach. No announcement yet but that's what things are looking like. Anthony Grant Gator Bill
Bill..he is taking the cash knowing Im sure, it is only short term. He might be back in 3 to 5 years. Right now he has nothing more to prove and his value will never be higher then it is now. jif
Excellent point, Joel. Leave it to one of our successful entrepreneurs to explain it clearly and concisely.
I know you are right jif, only problem is that if he comes back in 3 - 5 years it may well be with an opponent! But I cannot disagree. Gator Bill