The USA Today OKC Thunder website believes that Billy Donovan could be John Beilein’s potential replacement in Ann Arbor:
Now, the Michigan men’s basketball program will be forced to work quickly to fill their head coaching vacancy. With a need at the position, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan has emerged as the top choice for the job.
Donovan was considered the top choice for the UCLA job as recently as March but the university instead opted to hire former Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin.
With the Thunder having now been eliminated in the first round in each of the last three years, rumors have surfaced indicating that Donovan could be on the hot seat.
Donovan has one year left on his contract and told reporters during his exit interview that he is operating as business as usual following the team’s elimination from the NBA Playoffs.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said that he anticipated Donovan returning to coach the team next season but added that they would need to take some time to reflect on how the season went.
Michigan will be using a search firm for the hire of its next basketball coach:
Source: Michigan’s basketball coaching search will be handled by Turnkey Sports.
— Evan Daniels (@EvanDaniels) May 13, 2019