At first I have to admit, I thought this was totally far-fetched, but given his comments after the game last night when approached about the position he seems to be dancing around whether he's interested: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2810428&sportCat=ncb
So what do you take of his comments, is he considering the jump to Kentucky or is he doing it to get more money out of Florida?
And if he truly isn't interested then why doesn't he just say no like Calipari did in his press conference?
I'm curious to see what you all have to say; Gator and Cat fans alike.
2007-03-24 08:00:15 · 7 answers · asked by sweetie_tdp 4 in Sports ➔ Basketball
How about a comment from someone who's not a fan of either school? I'm a Carolina Tarheel fan, but I've got some insight into this...
I believe he's considering the jump. That doesn't mean he will do it, just that he might. Look at Roy Williams. He was an assistant at UNC before coaching at Kansas. Kansas was doing extremely well, UNC struggling... and he took it upon himself to go "home" and fix the UNC program. Who's to say that Donovan doesn't want to do that? Kentucky is a program just as renowned as UNC is in that category, and they are "struggling". That's not something that I think Donovan enjoys watching.
However, if he wants more money, he is playing his cards correctly.
I don't believe that's he not interested in something. Florida has the money to pay him. UK can bid him up. Even if he wants to stay in Florida, everyone wants a pay raise. But I think he is interested in UK, enough to at least talk to them after Florida fails to win the title.
2007-03-24 19:32:54 · answer #1 · answered by bogakbridgetaker 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In reality, probably not. As a die-hard Kentucky fan I'd love love love to have him because he runs a high-octane offense that has been missing from Kentucky since Pitino left. And there's the obvious success he's had at Florida. But I can't see Florida letting him go. Then again, weirder things have happened. My thing is, if he has no interest in the job why doesn't he just say he doesn't have any interest? They asked Calipari while still in the tournament with Memphis and he was very adament about refuting any claims that he could be coming to Kentucky. Donovan's comment, according to the local newspaper (I live in Louisville) The Courier-Journal was "I expect you to ask that, but right now I'm just trying to concentrate on winning a championship.". He also hasn't signed a new contract with Florida because he wanted more money and we all know Kentucky could throw some serious cash at him. I think Florida boosters can only put up so much because he's in competition with a national championship football program down there. And as much of a Kentucky fan as I am, I can tell you that probably won't ever happen at Kentucky. Nobody would've ever though Pitino would've ended up with "the dark side" (a.k.a University of Louisville). I also just watched a UofL football coach that would've had a national championship contending football team next year, jump ship for the NFL.....after telling his players the day before he would be at UofL for the rest of his contract. So I never say never when it comes to coaching moves in these parts. And as far as Florida fans hollering about Donovan never leaving, no offense but no one would've EVER thought the old ball coach Steve Spurrier would've ended up at another SEC school after leaving Florida.....ESPECIALLY a school like South Carolina. So once again, never say never. And no offense, but Kentucky fans demand excellence. I'm not going to apologize for not settling on less then the best. I am a Tubby fan and wanted him to stay because I thought he was great. But I can't deny that Kentucky hasn't seen a Final Four in almost 10 years. And we're talking about a program that has won 7 National Championships over decades with SEVERAL different coaches. If Duke or North Carolina had that kind of drought they'd be throwing a fit too. Just ask former UNC coach Matt Daugherty. Ice Queen, I wouldn't stick my nose up just yet. Florida Gator Football fans are by far some of the most spoiled football fans in the nation. It's been fortunate for Urban Meyer that he's been successful at Florida because maybe now he won't constantly be compared to Steve Spurrier.
2016-03-17 01:49:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kentucky fans love the idea, becuase they loved Billy under Pitino.
While I don't think it is a viable option right now, simply because Donovan is in such a winning program at the moment, I'll give you 5 reasons WHY he might be considering it in the back of his mind.
1 - Kentucky could match and exceed any offer that Donovan gets from Florida or any other program in the nation. Tubby Smith was the second highest paid coach in the NCAA and could've easily been the highest paid if he had more support from the Big Blue Boosters.
2 - He is one of Tubby Smith's best friends and he might want to come in to Kentucky to rebuild Tubby's relationship in the eyes of a scorning public. Tubby helped him get the Florida job when he beat him out for the UK coach position.
3 - He was an assistant coach when they won two national championships and HIGHLY touted by Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith. For this he is beloved by UK fans.
4 - He is renowned as a great recruiter and is pretty much the opposite of Tubby Smith, who himself is a great coach. Tubby was passionate and hard-nosed and a great teacher, but didn't recruit well and didn't have a great relationship with the public and media. Donovan is more calm, but can be as fiery when needed, but has shown amazing recruiting ability that has led his team to a National Title and probably two in a row. He also has an excellent relationship with the media.
5 - Ok, I'm being smart alecky here, but, did I mention $$$. He has his family to think of.
2007-03-24 08:43:14 · answer #3 · answered by Adam C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This move would not make much sense for Donovan. He already has an outstanding program at Florida. Plus, Kentucky boosters put so much pressure on a coach to win, that he should just stick to Florida. Florida has overtaken Kentucky as the premiere program in the SEC...why leave?
One possible reason for not just flat out denying it: Remember when Nick Saban stated that he would NOT be the coach at Alabama? Donovan wants to keep his options open without distracting his team from their current objective, repeating as national champions.
2007-03-24 08:08:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
during the football season you would frequently hear a coach say, after the a. d. got permission get "interviewed" by a school for the possibility of becoming the coach, that he thought too much of his present situation to leave.. in many cases that interview, if the coach is well thought of is to "lever" a salary increase or extension or both from his present job situation. take a look at how many coaches talked with Alabama with no intent of going down there due to booster club pressure. [i.e. Rich Rodriguez] several came away with a nice salary increase. i can't imagine that a grown man would make a business decision based on anything beyond what's in the best interest of him and his family. I'm sure a few do , but in the long run it would be the exception , not the rule.
2007-03-24 08:59:33 · answer #5 · answered by tennis4746 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why would you leave a championship team with a chance at another championship team this year to go to a school that at best next year will be 6th or 7th in the SEC?...you wouldnt..
2007-03-24 08:08:31 · answer #6 · answered by italianone70 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Will never happend.
2007-03-24 08:05:52 · answer #7 · answered by Hi 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋