Speculation over his future continues to stalk University of Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan. It comes with the territory when you’re the hottest collegiate-coach property in the country – as evidenced by the Gators’ consecutive national championships.
But ever since he nixed any interest in the Kentucky job, it’s been assumed that any future overtures would come from the professional ranks. Indeed, reports have already linked Donovan with the Memphis Grizzlies – and conjecture will only ramp up about the multi-millions that other NBA teams – from the New York Knicks to the Miami Heat – could offer.
The money — $5 million or more per season is hardly out of the question — and the ultimate challenge represented by the “next level” will continue as on-going rationales for Donovan leaving UF. At least as seen through the media prism.
What is easily overlooked in such scenarios is this: Donovan will still make a ton of money at Florida; he has great chemistry with his AD boss, Jeremy Foley; and he loves raising his kids in a college town.
And one more detail. In Gainesville he gets to coach players he recruits – not the multi-millionaire, hip-hop goofballs that populate — along with their posses — NBA rosters.
It’s called quality of life. Donovan is already rich.