Donovan Staying at Florida
Save Email Print
Donovan Staying at Florida
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky's Plan A is not an option. Billy Donovan's decision to remain at Florida rather than take the vacant head coaching job at Kentucky leaves the field for Tubby Smith's replacement wide open, with names from all over the college basketball landscape finding their way into the rumor mill.
Font Size:

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky's Plan A is not an option.

Billy Donovan's decision to remain at Florida rather than take the vacant head coaching job at Kentucky leaves the field for Tubby Smith's replacement wide open, with names from all over the college basketball landscape finding their way into the rumor mill.

Texas coach Rick Barnes could be on athletic director Mitch

Who's Next?
Since Billy Donovan is staying at Florida, Who would you like to see as the next UK Coach?
Click Here to Have Your Say

Barnhart's list. Texas A&M coach Billy Gillispie has agreed in principle to a contract extension with the Aggies says spokesman Colin Killian. It was unclear, however, whether Gillispie had signed the extension by this afternoon.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and Memphis coach John Calipari's names have also been mentioned.

Barnhart issued a statement on Thursday asking for patience during the hiring process.

Donovan, a former Kentucky assistant under Rick Pitino, was considered the school's first choice to take over college basketball's all-time winningest program. Donovan's ties to the school's Renaissance under Pitino and his up-tempo style of play made him an appealing pick for one of the nation's most ardent fan bases.

Barnhart received permission to talk to Donovan late Wednesday night, but by Thursday morning Donovan had decided to stay at the school where he's won back-to-back national championships.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


Latest Comments

Posted by: chris bailey Location: richmond on Apr 5, 2007 at 10:54 PM

i was looking forward to billy donavan coming but hey....oh well...lets just make sure mitch barnhart actually makes the right decision.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Brad Location: KEntucky on Apr 5, 2007 at 06:05 PM

You should of known Billy Donovon wouldn't come to UK Wildcats
[ Report Abuse ]
WKYT Sports Links
Sportsfirst Online
with Greg and Steve in the Morning
From the Sidelines
with Dick Gabriel
Coach Calipari
Full News Conferences
Full News Conference
with Rich Brooks
27 Teams in 27 Days
High School Football
27 Cats in 27 Days
Countdown to Football Season
Ask the Coach
Got a question for the UK coaching staff?
KHSAA Video
Archived Video
Recruiting News
Who has signed with UK?
KY Prep Space
High school sports scores, news, and photos.
Golf
Inside Kentucky Golf
Friday Night Flights
High school sports at the speed of flight.
Official UK Gear
T-shirts, memorabilia, hats, ect....
Hunting and Fishing Forecast
Get the most out of your hunting and fishing.
Crappie Fishing
Do you Like to Fish?