The roulette wheel of coaching candidates continues to spin in Cleveland.
This time, celebrated University of Florida coach Billy Donovan finds himself in the pole position. Donovan is coming off a Final Four run in this year's March Madness tournament. He won back-to-back titles with his 2006-2007 team (which featured Al Horford and Joakim Noah, notably).
The reason for all the hubbub?
Donovan has not confirmed a return to the Gators, instead noting that the "NBA stuff is intriguing in a lot of ways." (per CBS sports)
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix said he believes that Donovan would leave Florida to coach the Cavaliers, if the deal was offered.
Donovan briefly agreed to coach the Orlando Magic in 2007 before he retreated back to the Gators.
Chances are other coaches will rotate into the spotlight but Donovan is an interested coaching candidate. He has a track-record of success, at a lower level, and has shown an ability to maximize talent, install a system, and develop players over time. He could be a good coach. He could also be a professional level bust, some guys just don't translate to the next level. Who knows where Donovan fits.
Cavaliers GM David Griffin knows that the next coach will be a hugely important hire, largely symbolic of Griffin's young tenure. Nobody in Cleveland---including owner Dan Gilbert---will want to hire another flame-out (a la retread Mike Brown and his five-year contract). Hiring a known commodity, with NBA experience, might be more appealing to Griffin, and to the Cavs fanbase. However, Donovan is the type of flashy name hire that tends to attract sustained media attention and put fans in seats.
This time, celebrated University of Florida coach Billy Donovan finds himself in the pole position. Donovan is coming off a Final Four run in this year's March Madness tournament. He won back-to-back titles with his 2006-2007 team (which featured Al Horford and Joakim Noah, notably).
The reason for all the hubbub?
Donovan has not confirmed a return to the Gators, instead noting that the "NBA stuff is intriguing in a lot of ways." (per CBS sports)
Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix said he believes that Donovan would leave Florida to coach the Cavaliers, if the deal was offered.
Donovan briefly agreed to coach the Orlando Magic in 2007 before he retreated back to the Gators.
Chances are other coaches will rotate into the spotlight but Donovan is an interested coaching candidate. He has a track-record of success, at a lower level, and has shown an ability to maximize talent, install a system, and develop players over time. He could be a good coach. He could also be a professional level bust, some guys just don't translate to the next level. Who knows where Donovan fits.
Cavaliers GM David Griffin knows that the next coach will be a hugely important hire, largely symbolic of Griffin's young tenure. Nobody in Cleveland---including owner Dan Gilbert---will want to hire another flame-out (a la retread Mike Brown and his five-year contract). Hiring a known commodity, with NBA experience, might be more appealing to Griffin, and to the Cavs fanbase. However, Donovan is the type of flashy name hire that tends to attract sustained media attention and put fans in seats.