Would Billy D return to college at UNC? Why one former Florida basketball assistant is skeptical
Former Florida coach Billy Donovan's name is linked to the UNC opening, but his loyalty to the Bulls and recent family tragedies complicates a return.
Like current Florida basketball coach Todd Golden, former Florida basketball and Hall of Famer Billy Donovan's name has been floated as a top candidate for the opening at North Carolina. UNC fired Hubert Davis on March 24, and the Tar Heels appear that they will finally look outside the Dean Smith-tree to replace him, Would Donovan fit the bill? He led the Florida Gators to four Final Fours and two national titles in 19 years from 1996 to 2015 before leaving for the NBA, where he's led the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls to six playoff trips in 11 years.
The Bulls, though, are currently floundering at 28-41 after another roster midseason overhaul at the trade deadline. Still, Matt McCall, who began his basketball career at a student manager under Donovan at Florida before working as an assistant under Donovan at UF from 2011-15, thinks Donovan wouldn't leave the NBA unless it's an amicable split. "Billy Donovan is one of the two most influential people in my life.
One of his biggest strengths is his loyalty, to everybody. It's not who he is to walk away" @CoachMattMcCall on the Carolina opening 👀 🎥: https://t. co/FEaku1nDul pic.
twitter. com/Q4xkb2KYmY — The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 25, 2026 "My father and Billy Donovan are the two most influential people in my entire life," McCall said on the Field of 68 podcast. "One of Coach Donovan's biggest strengths is his loyalty to everybody.