"While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at him since that time. Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA. We've had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue."

Billy Donovan made the difficult decision to leave Florida last Thursday. The coach of the back-to-back national champions said he was happy with his position with the Gators, but was making his decision based on the possibility that his feelings would change down the road.

Immediately after the national championship, Donovan turned down offers from both the University of Kentucky and the NBA's Memphis Grizzles.

Sources say Donovan wanted his former assistant and current Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant to be his successor. The University of Florida began talks with Grant this weekend, but there appeared to be no progress.

FightinGators.com will continue to follow the developments.

FightinGators.com full coverage of Donovan's departure: