News / Sports
Billy Donovan Trying Magic Trick, Wants Orlando Contract to Disappear
After signing a five-year deal worth $27.5 million to become the head coach of the Orlando Magic, Billy Donovan now wants to get out of his contract so that he can return to coach the University of Florida. Donovan led the Gators to back-to-back men’s NCAA national championships in his final two years.
While Donovan had a change of heart, it is the Orlando Magic who will decide if Donovan will have a change of address. On Monday morning the Magic released a statement concerning the issue, “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.” The statement continued, “Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA.”
According to sources close to the Magic the team will allow Donovan to return to the Gators but it is unclear if there will be any financial penalties leveled against the coach for leaving. The Orlando Magic sold more than 200 season tickets in less than a day after Donovan was announced as the new head coach.
Of course the University of Florida is interested in the proceedings as they have put their search for a new head coach on hold since Donovan’s latest announcement. Unless Orlando releases Donovan from his signed contract the matter could drag out for several days until a decision is made.
