Kentucky fans think they have him signed, sealed and delivered. They think Kentucky basketball is so much better and that they can outspend us for his services. I have a different point of view. While Billy would be the big frog in the pond in Kentucky and no doubt in my mind would do very well there, I think that he is Mr. Basketball at Florida and I also think that there is some advantage to being part of a program that has overall excellence in athletics as opposed to being outstanding at one and not very good at any others. Also there is no way they can outspend the Gators if it came down to a bidding war. Our overall athletic budget is somewhere around 82 million a year and we could go head to head with anyone in a bidding war if that is what was necessary. But I'll hang my hat on the overall athletic excellence and the fact Billy has built something special at Florida that he probably will not give up. Just my humble opinion. Gator Bill
Gator Bill, Looks like Billy wins either way! If he moves, more money, if he stays more money. What a nice position! While all of us hate to lose excellent coaches, and we talk about loyalty, etc., the bottom line is still driven by money. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Don
As an impartial observer, I just don't see it happening. BD has etched his name as the best coach in the game at this point in time. He will be able to name his price if and when he decides to make a move. Plus, as stated here by the FL people, FL will pay the "going price" to retain him. Regardless of KY's status in college BB, it's in the same conference. I know I'm naive about such old-fashioned things as loyalty, but to make a move within the same conference means that he would be playing against the program he has nurtured to where it is today. Nothing in this world would surprise me, but I don't believe it will happen.
Bill, The only "threat" I see is that Donovan was an assistant at UK. Otherwise I just don't see the draw. As you said, UF can match any monetary offers, and with one NC in the case, and the possibility of another the following year... I don't think there's any question Donovan has put Florida on equal footing with any program. It's not like they can say "Son... if you come to UK, you can play for NC's." On a selfish note, I'd like to see Donovan take the job cuz that would keep UK from sniffing around my coach!
I hope BD stays. I think BD stays but have no idea as to what he'll do. Both Donovan and Meyer are huge "personalities" in Gainesville. Meyers for taking over a program that had some success in the mid 80s then again in the 1990s and has seemingly returned it to the national stage. Billy's taken a basketball program that had very little success prior to his arrival and built something that should be a regular in the NCAA tourney as long as he stays. Both are "loved" here in Gainesville and it's hard to say who, if either, is "more popular". Football will always be very important in Gainesville (and the Gator nation as a whole) but Billy Donovan has the men's BB program at center stage and poised for unparalleled popularity and recognition if he decides to stay in Hogtown.
If in fact Kentucky does offer Donavan 3.5 million a year, and the Gators match that and he stays at UF. How will that affect Meyer? He doesn't make that right now does he? Probably more like 2 + million I'd guess, a hefty sum for sure. Will they tear up his contract to keep him ahead of Donavan?
Hard to say but this past week, there were statements attributed to Urban Meyer which indicated Billy Donovan's comp from UF is of no concern to him (Meyer). I've read quotes from Meyer where he acknowledges that BD built something from (largely) nothing and that is very different than the situation into which he (Meyer) walked. If UF is successful in keeping BD and signing him to a long-term deal with big $$s, it will be the work of Bernie Machen ..... and I don't see Bernie letting the football coach he brought to Gainesville getting away over money. He'll insure UM is properly comp'd.
Re-posted: Met a girl here in NYC last night who is in ABC network corporate ad sales and her boss the Director of ABC ad sales is none other than Billy D's cousin who speaks often to him. The girl I was speakiing with (at the bar) is not that much of a sports fan but she told me that her boss spoke with BD and because of his family he is going no where. That is a direct comment also made by one writer that Bill posted last week who said the same exact thing as the reason Donovan is staying at Florida. Now I am certain this girl did not read this anywhere as she is not a sports fan so I believe that her boss did in fact tell her this straight from Billy D himself. He is staying at Florida.