Florida's Donovan takes himself out of Kentucky picture

[MajorMike]

April 5, 2007
By Gary Parrish
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer

Billy Donovan has removed himself from consideration for the opening at Kentucky and will in turn continue to coach Florida, CBS SportsLine.com has confirmed. An official announcement is expected soon.

Donovan was Kentucky's primary target to replace Tubby Smith. Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart received permission to speak with Donovan late Wednesday, but the search never got that far because Donovan opted to stay at Florida following a meeting with athletic director Jeremy Foley. Consequently, UK's search now moves on to its second phase. Some likely candidates are Texas' Rick Barnes, Texas A&M's Billy Gillispie, Memphis' John Calipari, Gonzaga's Mark Few, Marquette's Tom Crean and Michigan State's Tom Izzo, among others.

[MajorMike]

Fla. Basketball Coach Donovan Will Stay
April 5th, 2007 @ 10:39am
By MARK LONG
AP Sports Writer


GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Coach Billy Donovan will stay at Florida, spurning a chance to return to Kentucky and take over the tradition-rich program, a person familiar with Donovan's decision said Thursday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had yet to be announced.

Donovan, who met with Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley earlier Thursday, planned to announce his decision at a 4 p.m. news conference.

Donovan acknowledged interest in the Kentucky job this week, but also said he intended to stay in Gainesville and continue building the program that won consecutive national championships.

[degenerate_gambler]

can't say that surprises me.

the guy's worth every penny Fla. is s ing out and he's got it good there.

[Extra Stout]

Kentucky is getting into the same situation as Arkansas.

[2centsworth]

Kentucky is getting into the same situation as Arkansas.

striking out on Donovan doesn't make them Arkansas. Every team would probably strike out on Donovan. He has it made.

Kentucky will land a huge name without a problem. Izzo would be a sick hire, but I think it will be Barnes or BG.