Billy Donovan thanks Florida fans with full-page newspaper ad
Three weeks after he left to become the new coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, former Florida coach Billy Donovan found a unique way to express how much his two decades in Gainesville meant to him.
He and his wife took out a full-page ad in Sunday’s Gainesville Sun to say goodbye to Gators fans and thank them for their understanding and support.
One reason saying goodbye was tough for Donovan is because he has so many good memories from his Florida tenure. He built a program that had previously only been to five NCAA tournaments into a national power, winning two national titles, reaching four Final Fours and advancing to the Elite Eight seven times.
Credit Donovan for a great gesture that will surely further solidify the affection Florida fans have for him. Here’s the full text of the message from Donovan and his wife:
“GOODBYE” is so difficult, especially after having spent two decades in this community. (And as you’ve seen before, leaving you all has never been easy for us!)
“The University of Florida and Gainesville embraced us from the day we arrived so long ago, and we have grown to love not only this local community that has so loved us, but all of Gator Nation — from Crescent Beach to Cedar Key, from Miami to New York, from Jacksonville to San Fransisco, to all over the nation and globe.
“We are so grateful to Jeremy Foley, staff and leaders at the University of Florida, along with scores of players and coaches who have become part of our family. And, of course, the Rowdy Reptiles.
We leave with hearts full of love and cherished memories of euphoria and heartbreak — on and off the court — shared at every step with our Gator family.
We are excited for all that Mike White brings as he puts his own unique mark on Florida basketball…Fannnnntastic!
And so, rather than goodbye, …until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
— Billy and Christine Donovan
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Jeff Eisenberg is the editor of The Dagger on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
