OKC, Billy Donovan discussing head coaching position

It seems like every offseason we hear word that John Calipari, Billy Donovan and/or Tom Izzo are in the “mix” for one of the open NBA head coaching jobs.

But we don’t normally hear that one of these candidates is the favorite to land the position.

According to ESPN, Billy Donovan is considered the clear front runner for the Oklahoma City Thunder head coaching position and GM Sam Presti, who has a strong relationship with the Florida head coach, has opened in-formal discussions recently.

Presti has hired two former members of Donovan’s staff within the last 12 months, Mark Daigneault and Oliver Winterbone, so it clear that the Thunder are trying to entice the 49-year-old coach.

ESPN reported earlier in the NBA season that Donovan was ready to jump into the NBA following a Florida season that was a disaster. The Gators went 16-17, struggled with injuries and depth issues and didn’t make the postseason for the first time since 1998.

Despite injuries to Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, Scott Brooks was fired last week after the Thunder failed to make the postseason on the final day of the regular season.

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*Featured Photo (above) credit to Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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