Florida Coach Billy Donovan to Oklahoma City Thunder

[GenJac]

Being reported now.

Donovan would be an idiot to leave Gainesville where he has a job for life. In OKC he could be fired in 3 seasons if the team does not make it to the NBA Finals. He almost went to the Magic once and changed his mind, personally I hope he stays at UF.

Stay at Florida, you just got your old coaching staff back together, you aren't going to get fired from there and have great job stability. If I made 4 million a year with out a state income tax it would take a lot more than 6 million a year with taxes for me to change my entire life and move.

 

[SJ76]

They had a rough season last year and not sure what he has coming in this year. Maybe he's tired of the 1 and done's and feels like he's coaching NBA players now anyway..? Hell he has back to back NCAA titles and he's still fairly young. He could always go back to college bball.

 

[podsox]

the nba job is a lot easier and it isn't like billy cant go back to college if it doesn't work out

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

Why not?

Even if he fails (unlikely with 2 MVP candidates), he can pick whatever college job he wants afterwards.

 

[Heatles84]

the nba job is a lot easier and it isn't like billy cant go back to college if it doesn't work out

Not sure how the NBA job would be easier. Especially considering he'll have to coach out in the West against the likes of Rivers, Kerr, and Popovich to win an NBA title. In college, you have your pick of talent, in the NBA you don't (although they have Durant and Westbrook....for now). If Durant and Westbrook leave after next season, the Thunder job would certainly not be as desirable as it once was.

 

[trojanfan12]

They had a rough season last year and not sure what he has coming in this year. Maybe he's tired of the 1 and done's and feels like he's coaching NBA players now anyway..? Hell he has back to back NCAA titles and he's still fairly young. He could always go back to college bball.

the nba job is a lot easier and it isn't like billy cant go back to college if it doesn't work out

Why not?

Even if he fails (unlikely with 2 MVP candidates), he can pick whatever college job he wants afterwards.

Pretty much all of these. I'd also add that I'm sure Donovan is an incredibly competitive person (you have to be to achieve what he has) and wants to test himself at the highest level of basketball. If he's successful, he can have a nice long career as an NBA coach. If not, he returns to college ala Calipari and Pitino.

 

[Wamu]

Mike D'Antoni to OKC!

 

[lakersrule]

Fire Brooks to bring in your buddy Donovan. Interesting move Presti.

 

[SJ76]

So he goes and coaches in the pros for 5 years. He could probably go back to Florida OR I would bet Sparty, UNC, Duke, and Lousiville will ALL be looking for a coach by then.

 

[podsox]

Not sure how the NBA job would be easier. Especially considering he'll have to coach out in the West against the likes of Rivers, Kerr, and Popovich to win an NBA title. In college, you have your pick of talent, in the NBA you don't (although they have Durant and Westbrook....for now). If Durant and Westbrook leave after next season, the Thunder job would certainly not be as desirable as it once was.

because recruiting is hell. it is non-stop. he also has the responsibility, fair or not, that his players conduct themselves properly in college. yr to yr you have kids leaving. u never know when. in the nba his only focus is coaching.

 

[tducey]

Thunder could do worse in their search for a new coach.

 

[gordontrue]

"You're welcome, Billy" - Brad Stevens

 

[thunderc]

I'm not a huge fan but he would be an idiot to turn down the job.

 

[Flauge]

I am a huge Billy D fan. Went to UF, live about 30 minutes north of Gainesville. I hope he says no to this job. But if I were in his shoes, I would go. As others posters already said if he fails he could always cherry pick his next college job. UF was an absolute joke at basketball before he showed up.

 

[Clayton]

Good decision. He could always go back to college if Durant leaves (which is the only way it could fail really)

 

[mr.hockey4242]

I don't see how you could call this a bad move? A great college coach taking a shot at the NBA is never a bad move because even if they fail......they are still a great college coach.

So many premier programs have old coaches on their final leg. Billy will have an abundance of opportunity....if he even fails OKC to begin with.

It's the exact reason why Hoiberg would be a clow to not jump at Bulls. Low Risk, High reward.

 

[HammerDown]

 

[LAD]

Mike D'Antoni to OKC!

 

[Wamu]

LAD how have you & the little one been? Hope things are good.

 

[LAD]

if Durant leaves (which is the only way it could fail really)

I'm sorry, I have to disagree and say the reason they're even looking for a coach is because something has already failed.