The search to replace Hubert Davis at North Carolina is arguably the biggest story in sports, and one of the biggest names tied to the opening is Billy Donovan.
When asked about it, the current Chicago Bulls head coach didn’t exactly shut the door on the idea, but he didn’t give us much of a hint on what he plans to do, either.
“My main focus is on these guys and this new team,” Donovan said, per CBS. “I understand that there’s stuff out there, and I understand that there is going to be certain speculation. But, I have to concentrate on this group, and really, my focus is on what we’re doing here in Chicago, having a game tonight, and traveling to go and play in a back-to-back.”
Donovan is viewed as one of the greats in college basketball and would seemingly be a good hire for UNC. However, it’s important to remember that while he found plenty of success back in the day, the game is completely different now.
“Over the years, I’ve had a lot of college guys reach out to talk to me,” Donovan said. “It’s different in dealing with players who are being paid now. I also think the cycle of the NBA today is totally different than the cycle of college. I’m focused on what I have to do right now. Like anything else, things are always changing in the game of basketball.”
The college game Donovan once dominated, including National Championships at Florida, isn’t the same anymore. NIL, the transfer portal, and everything else have changed how programs are. For a coach who makes a lot of money and also coaches one of the most storied organizations in sports history, we should consider why he’d want to leave.
However, at the same time, North Carolina isn’t just any job. As I’ve said over the past few days, this is the North Carolina Tar Heels we’re talking about. You think college basketball and you think North Carolina.
Donovan might already have a decision made and UNC might as well. I’d like the fit, but he’d have to learn this new game.