I hate to be such a cynic, but I was absolutely shocked to find out that Billy Donovan would not be leaving the University of Florida to coach Kentucky. Coming off back-to-back championships, I was convinced Donovan would leave football-crazed Florida behind in order to resurrect one of college basketball’s most historic programs, given that in this era of inflating salaries, it’s rare for an individual not to follow the money.
Donovan’s decision not to go to Kentucky, where he was an assistant for five years, puts him in an unusual category among coaches. It shows that he isn’t driven by ego. Instead he truly understands what he has in front of him at Florida. Though, I suppose, one could not have faulted him for accepting the Kentucky gig, since I have yet to meet anyone who wouldn’t jump at the chance to double his or her salary.
One could argue that Donovan had nothing left to prove at Florida and needed another challenge. The idea of winning at Kentucky and being paid like a king must have been tempting, but Donovan wisely figured out that he had everything he needed at Florida. So many coaches foolishly think they can turn around any basketball program -- remember Rick Pitino and the Boston Celtics? -- but that’s just not the case. Sometimes it isn’t always wise to take on a high-profile job. Sometimes it’s better to make a low-profile job glamorous. And that’s exactly what Donovan has done with the Gators.
In 10 years and perhaps a few more final four appearances and maybe even one more title, Donovan will become a God-like figure in Gainesville, just like John Wooden and Dean Smith are in Los Angeles and North Carolina, respectively. Had Donovan left Florida for Kentucky, the Wildcats would have expected him to be their savior and if he didn’t produce within a few years, the fans, local media and the alumni would be calling for his head.
I’m glad Donovan realizes what a nice thing he has at Florida, even though he will likely lose his four best players (Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, Al Horford and Joakim Noah) to the NBA. He has two years remaining on his current contract worth $1.7 million annually. But he is expected to get a hefty raise from Florida in the upcoming weeks. It might not be as much money as Kentucky was willing to pay, but in this day and age it’s good to know someone realizes that money doesn’t buy happiness.
