Billy Donovan to coach the Magic?

John F · May 31st, 2007, 03:02 PM

After seeing him turn down the Kentucky job after the Final Four, I didn't expect to see the man courted for any other jobs...

But to see all this speculation about Billy joining an in-state NBA franchise as Coach... it's not just a interesting coaching move but marketing move if it happens. It lures in college fans who haven't embraced the Magic as much as the team may have expected....

John F · May 31st, 2007, 03:05 PM

And CBS Sportsline has "sources" saying this move is a "lock"

Quote:

Donovan to Orlando Magic

ORLANDO, Florida — Our Gannett newspaper partner Florida Today is reporting that Billy Donovan is expected to be named the new head coach of the Orlando Magic.

The contract is expected to be worth at least $6 million a season.

The Florida Today reports that Donovan will be announced as the eighth coach in Magic history on Friday.

CBS Sports is reporting similar information, siting a source close to the situation.

BravesRule22 · May 31st, 2007, 03:22 PM

The source I read was a 6 year deal worth 36 mil.

I cant blame him for leaving, all hes kids left this year and FLA probably wont be a top 25 team this year and could have a tough time making the tourney. So in that sense along with winning back to back titles he had nothing really left to prove in college.

He is taking over a team with alot of young talent and a franchise big man in Dwight Howard, its a very good move for both the Magic and Billy.

John F · May 31st, 2007, 05:47 PM

Any college coach can make something out of nothing. Recruiting is a big part of it and the system the kids are going to play in. College teams always deal with the players leaving (graduating, going pro, etc) and college coaches roll with the punches. The thing is, you never saw Mike K from Duke defect from the university when he knew there was a good chance the Blue Devils would have an off-year. You never saw Phil Knight do that, or Tubby Smith, or so many other coaches over the years who have been part of the college ranks.

Staff changes are part of the game... If Billy wants a new challenge, that'd be the best reasoning to say he's leaving. If he's frustrated his college students graduated, he wouldn't have been a college basketball coach to begin with. He knows the process, he's dealt with the process and even if there are high expectations in Gainsville after back-to-back titles -- Billy would know that navigating those waters might be tricky though not a world ender if the Gators don't finish somewhere in the top 25. No one would end up questioning his skill or integrity.

May 31st, 2007, 03:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,510	Billy Donovan to coach the Magic? After seeing him turn down the Kentucky job after the Final Four, I didn't expect to see the man courted for any other jobs... But to see all this speculation about Billy joining an in-state NBA franchise as Coach... it's not just a interesting coaching move but marketing move if it happens. It lures in college fans who haven't embraced the Magic as much as the team may have expected....

May 31st, 2007, 03:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
BravesRule22 Basketball Community Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,089	The source I read was a 6 year deal worth 36 mil. I cant blame him for leaving, all hes kids left this year and FLA probably wont be a top 25 team this year and could have a tough time making the tourney. So in that sense along with winning back to back titles he had nothing really left to prove in college. He is taking over a team with alot of young talent and a franchise big man in Dwight Howard, its a very good move for both the Magic and Billy. __________________ Braves, Knicks, Bucs, Louisville

May 31st, 2007, 05:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,510	Any college coach can make something out of nothing. Recruiting is a big part of it and the system the kids are going to play in. College teams always deal with the players leaving (graduating, going pro, etc) and college coaches roll with the punches. The thing is, you never saw Mike K from Duke defect from the university when he knew there was a good chance the Blue Devils would have an off-year. You never saw Phil Knight do that, or Tubby Smith, or so many other coaches over the years who have been part of the college ranks. Staff changes are part of the game... If Billy wants a new challenge, that'd be the best reasoning to say he's leaving. If he's frustrated his college students graduated, he wouldn't have been a college basketball coach to begin with. He knows the process, he's dealt with the process and even if there are high expectations in Gainsville after back-to-back titles -- Billy would know that navigating those waters might be tricky though not a world ender if the Gators don't finish somewhere in the top 25. No one would end up questioning his skill or integrity.