News / Sports
Orlando Magic Sever Ties with Billy Donovan, Hire Stan Van Gundy as Head Coach
The fiasco that was Billy Donovan is now over and the Orlando Magic appear ready to put the mess behind them as they inked Stan Van Gundy to a contract as the new head coach.
After firing Brian Hill at the end of the season the Magic turned to University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan to head the young team. Donovan left the Florida Gators for the lucrative deal only to back out days later and request the contract be voided.
Orlando brass tried to convince Donovan to honor his five-year $27.5 million contract but the Gators head coach showed no signs of willingness. Donovan said “I realized that, in my heart, I belonged in college basketball, as soon as I realized that, I contacted the Magic immediately to let them know.” While his heart belonged in college basketball his body belonged on the Orlando Magic bench. Rather than hold him to the contract Orlando let him go.
With Donovan gone Orlando turned to proven winner Stan Van Gundy and a deal was worked out on Thursday to put the former Miami Heat head coach on their bench.
Magic general manager Otis Smith released a statement on the team’s website stating “Stan enjoyed tremendous success during his tenure with the Heat. He has a great basketball mind, tremendous respect around the league and will get the most out of our players. Stan was sought after by many teams this summer and we feel very proud to welcome him to the Magic family.”
Van Gundy spent last season as a team advisor for the Heat and still had a year left on his contract with the Miami club. As a result the Magic had to give Miami compensation for the deal. It is believed they gave Miami a second-round draft selection in the upcoming June 28 NBA Draft.
