Billy Donovan Becomes Orlando Magic Head Coach

The Orlando Sentinel made many people happy with the report on Thursday that Billy Donovan signed on as the new head coach of the Orlando Magic. There are quite a few more that will miss the former Ohioan turned Gator.

Billy Donovan has stirred a pot of mixed emotions with the announcement of his leaving the Florida Gators. Coming off back to back NCAA championships, he will be greatly missed by many Gator fans.

A press conference is scheduled for Friday morning at 11 a.m. in Orlando. The word is out, though, on the 5-year deal. According to the Orlando Sentinel, it is a reported $27.5 million. The Sentinel averaged that out to be $5.5 million per season.

Donovan will be Orlando Magic's 8th coach in their franchise history. He is replacing Brian Hill. Hill was fired after back to back losing seasons.

The Orlando Sentinel quoted the athletic director at the University of Florida, Jeremy Foley, as saying,"...our contract (with Donovan) was a done deal. We just had to go through some administrative channels before we could announce it."

They went on to quote him, "We were going to announce it next week. But this Magic offer came along this week, and Billy was intrigued. Believe me, our contract situation had nothing to do with Billy's decision. He's taking this job because the time is right for him."

The Magic finished this season with a 40-42 record. They were defeated in the NBA playoffs by the Detroit Pistons, according to the Sentinel.

This whole thing has been kept very quiet. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Donovan was at the Southeastern Conference meetings when he said he had not even talked with the Magic.

The Sentinel reported that Donovan met with Bob Vander, Magic President, and Alex Marting, Chief Operating Officer, Wednesday night after the conference meetings.

Donovan told the Magic that he wanted to think about the offer. The next morning, he called the Magic and told them he needed more time. Sometime around 1:30pm, Donovan called the Orlando Magic back and said he would accept the offer, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Florida President, Bernard Machen was quoted as saying to ESPN.com, "Billy Donovan has been here 11 years and has won two national championships......We'll always love Billy Donovan, whether he was here 11 years or 21 years. I don't think the University of Florida has to worry about who their next coach is."

A personal note to this story. I never saw a community come together as much as the State of Florida did during the college football and basketball championships, this year, between Ohio State and the Florida Gators. I can tell you that college sports fans in Florida are going to miss Mr. Billy Donovan.

Sources:Orlando Sentinel, staff writer, Brian Schmitz; Orlando Magic Hire Bill Donovan As Coach