Florida thanks Billy Donovan in video after he leaves for Thunder

Florida Gators thank Billy Donovan for 19 years as coach
Florida thanks Billy Donovan in video after he leaves for Thunder
Florida thanks Billy Donovan in video after he leaves for Thunder /

The University of Florida published a video Thursday thanking Billy Donovan for his 19 seasons as the Gators' basketball coach. Donovan, 49, was hired Thursday as the new head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In nearly two decades as Florida coach, Donovan went 467-185, leading the team to national championships in 2006 and 2007. The Gators also reached the Final Four in 2000 and 2014.

Donovan was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

The video, uploaded to YouTube from the Florida athletics account, included highlights of Donovan's introductory press conference in 1996, his first win, the Gators' buzzer-beating win over Butler in the 2000 NCAA tournament and his two national titles.

• STAPLES: Donovan leaves behind program he built at Florida to fulfill dream

Florida athletics also had this to say on Twitter:

- Alex Putterman


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SI Wire
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