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Thunder Hire Florida's Billy Donovan

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder have hired Florida's Billy Donovan as their new coach.

The Thunder made the announcement Thursday.

The 49-year-old Donovan led Florida to two national championships, four Final Fours, seven Elite Eights and 14 NCAA Tournament berths in 19 years. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Gators in December that would have paid him an average salary of $4 million through 2020.

[tweet https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/593845448416296960 width='330']

But, eight years after leaving Florida to coach the Orlando Magic and then changing his mind the following day, Donovan is back in the NBA.

Donovan inherits a team with 2013-14 MVP Kevin Durant and 2014-15 scoring champion Russell Westbrook.

He replaces Scott Brooks, who was fired last week.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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