Florida turns attention to former aide

Published Saturday, June 2, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Two-time defending national champion Florida hopes to have a new coach in the near future, and it could be a familiar face.

Athletic Director Jeremy Foley planned to meet with Virginia Commonwealth Coach Anthony Grant today, a person familiar with the search process told The Associated Press, and likely will offer him the job. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the search is ongoing.

Grant spent 12 years as one of Billy Donovan’s top assistants, including 10 seasons in Gainesville. He left the Gators for VCU in 2006 - his contract pays $400,000 annually - and led the Rams to the NCAA Tournament in his first season. VCU upset Duke in the opening round.

Donovan signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the NBA’s Orlando Magic on Thursday, leaving Florida without a coach for the first time in more than 11 years.

The Gators expect to fill the spot quickly.

"It’s going to happen as quickly as we can," school President Bernie Machen said.

Grant was the logical choice from the onset. After spending two years with Donovan at Marshall, he moved to Florida and helped turn the Gators from a mediocre program to a national powerhouse.

The 41-year-old Grant, a Miami native, was one of Donovan’s top recruiters. He helped land players like Major Parker, Brent Wright, Udonis Haslem and others.

Grant also was highly respected for his motivational skills and leadership ability.