Donovan apologizes, returns to Gators with six-year deal
During the brief coaching vacancy, the Gators contacted Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant.
Foley left for Richmond, Va., on Saturday to interview Grant, a former assistant under Donovan. But when Foley landed, he was contacted by Donovan's wife, Christine, who told him her husband was having second thoughts. Foley said he was on the ground for about 20 minutes, never met with Grant and immediately flew back to Gainesville.
"At that point in time we couldn't talk to another candidate," Foley said.
Donovan, 42, agreed to the deal with Orlando one day after the Magic met with former Miami Heat coach Stan Van Gundy. Van Gundy, who also interviewed for coaching vacancies in Charlotte, Indiana and Sacramento in recent weeks, was hired Thursday to coach the Magic.
But even though Donovan is back at Florida, his rash decision to bolt to the NBA may come with consequences.
Donovan may have to convince future recruits he won't forsake them again. The same can hold true for his current players and assistant coaches.
Donovan, who already signed one of the top recruiting classes this year, said he doesn't think trust will be an issue.
"I think if I would have come out and promised a young man and said, 'I'm never leaving Florida, you have nothing to worry about, I'm never leaving' -- then, to me, there's a trust issue," Donovan said. "I never had those conversations with anybody."
Florida forward Marreese Speights downplayed the significance of Donovan's turnaround.
"He was only gone for like five days," Speights said. "It was like he never left. But, obviously, there might be a little respect owed."
Donovan has compiled a 261-103 record in 11 seasons at Florida, and is the school's all-time winningest coach.
He said his commitment is now, and will always remain, with the Gators.
"As long as the University of Florida would like to have me here, this is where I want to be," Donovan said. "For my part, I want to be at the University of Florida for the rest of my time coaching."
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