GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida coach Billy Donovan is headed back to the NBA.This time, he’s expected to stay more than a day.Donovan agreed Thursday to become the Oklahoma City Thunder’s next coach, according to a person familiar with negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because neither side has announced the agreement.Donovan and Thunder general manager Sam Presti agreed to the major points of a long-term contract, the person said, and expect it to be finalized later Thursday.Donovan replaces Scott Brooks, who was fired last week.The 49-year-old Donovan led Florida to two national championships, four Final Fours, seven Elite Eights and 14 NCAA Tournament berths in 19 years. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Gators in December that would have paid him an average salary of $4 million through 2020.He left Florida in 2007 to take the head coaching job with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, but changed his mind the following day and returned to Gainesville.He’s not expected to have a change of heart this time around, the person said.Though Donovan has not coached a game in the NBA, his chances at success are good.
Thunder reach agreement to hire Floridas Donovan