When the Oklahoma City Thunder fired former head coach Scott Brooks following the team’s failure of a season, speculation grew that they would look to make a splash with a replacement.
Now that Oklahoma City is reportedly discussing the coaching job with University of Florida head man Billy Donovan, this speculation is now becoming a reality.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Thunder and Donovan have “formally commenced discussions about their vacant coaching job.”
Stein’s report goes on to indicate that Donovan is “widely considered” the favorite to land the Oklahoma City job within NBA coaching circles.
It doesn’t hurt that the Florida coach is close with Oklahoma City’s key decision maker, general manager Sam Presti.
Donovan, 49, has been Florida’s head coach since 1996. He led the program to 16 consecutive 20-win seasons before finishing 16-17 this past year. Donovan has also led the Gators to 14 NCAA Tournaments, four Final Four’s and two national championships in 19 seasons.
Hiring Donovan, who has turned down multiple NBA overtures over the years, would be somewhat of a coup for the Thunder.
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