Billy Donovan will say goodbye to the campus he called home for 19 years and become the new head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Donovan had been in charge of the Florida Gators since 1996. During his time, the Gators won two national titles and went to the Final Four a total of four times. Florida also captured four SEC tournament championships during Donovan's reign.
Before becoming the head coach at Florida, Donovan led Marshall's basketball program briefly. Between the two schools, Donovan compiled a 502-206 record and is considered one of the premiere coaches in the nation.
While coaching at UF, Donovan recruited some of the nation's bast talent. In the NBA, he is going to need those skills when it comes to one of the game's best players. Kevin Durant is set to hit the free agent market following the 2015 season. If Durant can find a comfort level with Donovan, it could go a long way in the Thunder's efforts to retain his services.
This is not the first time that Donovan has accepted a head coaching job in the NBA. In 2007, Donovan agreed to become the new lead man with the Orlando Magic. The 49-year old had a change of heart however and remained at Florida.
Donovan will inherit a Thunder team that is coming off an injury-riddle 2014-15 season. With expectations high and the aforementioned Durant contract situation, Donovan will have his hands full.
