Donovan to Try to Work Magic in NBA: Florida coach Billy Donovan has left the Gators to become the Orlando Magic’s head coach. He replaces Brian Hill and steps into a young team loaded with budding stars like Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson. The pay isn’t bad either — possibly $28.5 million in five years. Gator fans weathered the rumors that circled Donovan after the team won its second championship. Conventional wisdom indicated that Donovan might move to Kentucky to restore that program’s luster. But he turned down that opportunity, choosing to remain with Florida, where he has been coach for 11 years. He guided the team to three Final Four appearances, including back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
Update: Sources have said Donovan started reconsidering the deal this past weekend and might try to return to Gainesville before ever working in Orlando. The Magic and Donovan are discussing the situation, which might include a financial penalty if Donovan backs out of the deal he signed Friday. [6/04/07]
