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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Oklahoma City Thunder hire Florida’s Billy Donovan as coach

 (Associated Press)

The Thunder hired Florida’s Billy Donovan as their coach Thursday, hoping he will help the franchise win an NBA championship in Oklahoma City. Donovan, 49, led Florida to two national championships, four Final Fours and 14 NCAA tournament berths in 19 years. He signed a $4 million-per-year contract extension through 2020 with the Gators in December. But, eight years after leaving Florida to coach the Orlando Magic and then changing his mind the following day, Donovan is back in the NBA. It’s not likely he’ll head back to Gainesville this time – he inherits 2013-14 MVP Kevin Durant and 2014-15 scoring champion Russell Westbrook. “I knew that it would take a unique opportunity to leave the University of Florida,” Donovan said. “And that is clearly how I look at this situation.” – AP