Donovan signs big extension
Boy, times have changed in sports.
I remember back in 1973, I was on cloud nine because I was going to be coaching on the Division I level. I went from being an assistant at Rutgers University to the head coach at the University of Detroit. I was getting a whopping $17,000 a year plus some free shoes and maybe some equipment from Converse! Wow. I was so excited!
How have things changed? Billy Donovan won back-to-back titles at the University of Florida. He has done a marvelous job on the Gainesville campus, and now he has hit a grand slam, finally signing the long term extension that was offered to him a while back. Athletic Director Jeremy Foley always finds a way to take care of his people, especially those who prove to be a winner.
There is no doubt that Donovan has proven to be a big-time winner. He has led the Gators to 10 straight seasons with 20 or more wins, as well as 10 consecutive trips to the big dance. Florida has finished over .500 in SEC play in nine of the past 10 years, closing at .500 last season.
Billy the Kid has done it at a school known for its success on the gridiron. Yes, Gator Country is known for football, football, football, but those two national championship banners tell you this school has also found glory on the hardwood, my friends.
Reports indicate Donovan's new deal is for six years, in the neighborhood of $20 million. You heard me right...and that is what happens with the super entrepreneurs (and that is what the big-time coaches have become).
These guys are worth so much to their respective universities in the way of marketing. Think about all the revenues involved, between merchandise and the world of television. Donovan has proven to be worth millions to the University of Florida. Foley wasted no time to make sure his coach would be treated to an equal status as his football coach.
Maybe I can call Billy up for a loan...can you get me some cash? At least Billy could go out and buy my new book...he can sure afford it with his new deal!
