All of these rumors linking Billy Donovan to North Carolina probably have some Gator fans all up in their feelings. And it's understandable. When Donovan left Gainesville to start a decade-long career in the NBA, it felt like he was graduating to a different stage of his life. A stage of his life that would no longer include college basketball.
But things change and situations change. Donovan appears ready to leave the Chicago Bulls at the same time the North Carolina job is open. And if the 60-year-old coach wants to return to big-time college basketball, it seems like the right fit at the right time. And Florida fans should be good with that because Todd Golden is a fine coach, and he is continuing to show that Donovan's work building the Gators basketball program was not in vain.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is expected to be aggressively pursued by North Carolina to become their next head coach, per @jeffborzello (https://t.co/RX676wAsUP).
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 25, 2026
Donovan, who has coached in the NBA since 2015, previously won two Final Fours at Florida. pic.twitter.com/q7gVhOJ2Ul
Billy Donovan-to-UNC rumors should put Gator fans at ease
If Donovan were to take the Tar Heels job, it's not a slap in the face to what he built in Gainesville. Donovan was completely committed to Florida for the nearly 20 years he spent there. Under his leadership, the Gators reached the Final Four on four different occasions and won two championships.Â
North Carolina is in a different conference, so the Tar Heels aren't playing the Gators regularly and when they meet it would likely be deep in the tournament or one of those early-season showcase events. Gator fans should want to see Donovan back in college basketball coaching because he's great at it, and he would be happier doing it.
Much like Donovan was loyal to Florida each and every time Kentucky tried to hire him, Golden is ready to plant roots for a long-term stay in Gainesville. It's on the Gators administration to make that happen and not worry about external noise around them. The basketball program should be proud that in 30 years, it has produced multiple championship-winning coaches at a place that was once labeled a "football school". With Golden running the show, it will remain in good hands.
And Donovan should be supported by Gator fans in whatever he decides to do next...as long as it isn't Kentucky.Â