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Could Billy Donovan finally be lured away from Florida?

By FanSided Staff

Dec 20, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan reacts during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a disappointing season in 2015, Billy Donovan could finally leave Florida next season if a sweeter deal presents itself.

It seems that every time a college coach has any sort of success, there are talks of him moving into a better coaching position. The latest victim to succumb to these rumors is Billy Donovan. The head coach of the Florida men’s basketball team has spent the last 19 seasons with the Gators and has succeeded at a very high level with the college game. The thought of Donovan leaving the Florida program most likely saddens Gator fans. After all, his 502 wins, four Final Four appearances and two national titles rank highest among coaches in the history of the program.

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So why would he want to leave?

Well, for one the Gators had an absolutely miserable 2015 season. At 16-17 overall, the Gators missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. Donovan would be escaping what is a mediocre returning crew and could fall onto a team that has a world of talent; when they are healthy at least.

There are rumors circulating the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking for a new head coach to replace Scoot Brooks. Billy Donovan could be the lead man in that replacement search. Donovan did almost have a stint in the NBA as the head coach of the Orlando Magic. After signing with the team to help Dwight Howard and company win a NBA title, Donovan backed out of his contract, feeling remorseful for leaving the Gators empty handed. The one condition on the expelled contract was that Donovan could not coach in the NBA for five years.

This stipulation expired three years ago, but it wouldn’t have made sense for Donovan to leave in 2012. Florida had one of the most talented squads in the NCAA and were the favorites to win a national title last year. They even made the Elite Eight three times in a row. The Gators no longer have that same zeal they did two years ago, so it could be time for Donovan to make the jump to the NBA.

The Thunder would be a perfect fit for him as well. Donovan has refused to adopt the “one and done” formula that other successful college coaches have so readily appealed to. The Florida coach prefers to build a program, teaching his coaching style over a couple years that bring about successful seasons in succession rather than sporadically. In the NBA, it would be no different. Especially with a team like the Thunder who are returning two of the best scorers in the NBA.

Wherever Donovan ends up, I don’t think it will be Florida. It doesn’t make sense for him to stay with a team that only has the talent to win just 16 games in the regular season. Donovan should leave Florida. There is no good reason why he wouldn’t either.

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