Former NBA veteran and current analyst Chandler Parsons floated Donovan as the likely next coach in Orlando if the Magic part ways with Jamahl Mosley in the offseason. Parsons pointed to Donovan’s Florida ties, including a home in the state, as factors that could ease a transition and make him a strong fit for Orlando.
“He’s got ties, obviously with being the coach of the Florida Gators. He’s got a house there, so that sounds like a possibility…he’s a legend in Florida,” Parsons said, underscoring Donovan’s local standing and potential appeal to a Magic organization seeking a high-profile, experienced leader.
Donovan’s coaching résumé runs deep. He led the Florida Gators from 1996 to 2015, delivering two NCAA championships and becoming a Florida basketball icon before moving to the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, where he steered a young roster to the Western Conference Finals before a notable playoff collapse against a Warriors team that went on to win the title. In Chicago, he coached players such as DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso, and Josh Giddey, compiling a 226-256 record.
Meanwhile, Mosley’s future with the Magic remains uncertain. The team finished the season with the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, and a growing chorus around the league suggests Mosley could be replaced regardless of playoff outcomes. Orlando has been weighing the coaching position as it rebuilds around young talents like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero after a season that raised expectations following their Desmond Bane trade era.
Donovan’s market extends beyond Orlando. Reports have indicated interest from other East contenders, including the New York Knicks, and even interest from the University of North Carolina during the season, though he chose to remain with the Bulls. After a challenging campaign for Chicago, Donovan leaves with a professional résumé that continues to attract attention from teams seeking experienced, stability-driven leadership.
