The University of Florida has announced that they have hired former Louisiana Tech Head Coach Michael White to the same position. White takes over for Billy Donovan who held the position for the last 19 seasons, prior to becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder coach last week.
Late last week, Yahoo Sports reported that White was the lead candidate as Donovan’s successor after meeting with Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley.
Under White, Louisiana Tech has won at least a share of three straight conference titles, including an outright Conference USA regular season championship in 2015, the Bulldogs’ first since 1999. White was also named the 2014-2015 Conference USA Coach of the Year.
“I have an incredible amount of respect for the University of Florida, and I am so excited to be a Gator,” White said. “Not only is Florida home for me, but the tradition and success that the Gators have built make this an incredible opportunity. I know about the great home court advantage in the O’Connell Center, which is a testament to the fans and the Rowdy Reptiles. There’s an unbelievable commitment to excellence athletically and academically at UF, and it starts with the leadership of Dr. Fuchs and Jeremy Foley. I look forward to returning to the SEC where I have a lot of great memories, and I can’t wait to create many more alongside The Gator Nation.”
White signed a six-year deal that will pay him an average of $2 million per season.
“Michael White is someone who came to the top of our list very quickly and he checks all of the boxes we were looking for,” athletic director Jeremy Foley said. “He is a winner who has a high level of integrity, plays an up-tempo style of play and has the respect of his peers and the basketball community. He has experience in coaching, recruiting and playing in the Southeastern Conference and has a strong pedigree. He has a certain authenticity with people and is not afraid of challenges.”
In four seasons, White had a 101-40 record with the Bulldogs with three NIT appearances. The 38 year-old has yet to coach in an NCAA Tournament game, something that he and the University of Florida hope to change.
