Billy Donovan Pulls Disappearing Act on Magic

So is Billy Donovan the former Florida Gator coach? Current Magic coach? Current Gator coach? Former Magic coach?

It seems at this point perhaps the answer would be: D) All of the above.

Chalk up yet another "one that got away" story for the Orlando Magic. In what has become somewhat of a normal situation for the Orlando Magic front office, things just don't look like they're going to work out. Mere days after announcing a 5 year/ $27.5 million deal to bring high profile, slick haired, Florida Gator coach Billy Donovan to lead the Magic, it appears Donovan has "changed his mind". The matter is now in the hands of attorneys for the team and for Donovan and his agent, Lonnie Cooper.

The Magic would not comment as of Monday afternoon, however, are in the process of finding a(nother) new coach. Sources have named former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy as a top candidate. Former NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo was rumored to have been contacted by the Magic prior to Donovan, however, a source told the OrlandoSentinel Donovan and Van Gundy (also being interviewed for the Sacramento Kings open position) were the only two people interviewed for the job.

The only statement issued by the team Monday morning was the following:

"While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at him since that time.

"Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA. We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours, and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue.''

After announcing Donovan's signing on Friday, the Magic received a call Saturday morning from Donovan's agent Cooper. Cooper had stated the Donovan was having second thoughts. That's when Magic General Manager Otis Smith traveled to Gainesville to speak to Donovan personally.

Donovan also spent time over the weekend talking to close friends and confidants Louisville Coach Rick Pitino and former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy although it's unclear whether either was talking him into a decision one way or the other.

The Orlando Sentinel visited Donovan's home Monday morning but UF assistant basketball Coach Larry Shyatt answered the door and said Donovan would not comment.

It is currently unclear whether the Magic will ask for a settlement to allow Donovan to break his contract. It is also unclear how the Magic will handle the many angry fans that according to Joel Glass, the Magic's vice president of communications "bought over 200 season tickets in the 24 hours between the story breaking Thursday and the news conference Friday."

Local resident and Magic/Gator fan Bob D. commented the following, "As a Gator fan, I'm glad. As a Magic fan, well...they don't call them the Orlando Tragic around here for nothing. I do blame Donovan though, he commited and had plently of time to think about everything prior to signing. He should stick with his decision."