Billy Donovan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Billy Donovan. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Billy Donovan is an American professional basketball coach, currently the head coach of the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. He is renowned for his successful tenure as the head basketball coach at the University of Florida from 1996 to 2015. During his time with the Florida Gators, Donovan led the team to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, and also guided them to an NCAA championship appearance in 2000, solidifying his reputation as a highly accomplished coach.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Southern Conference Coach of the Year

In 1995, Billy Donovan was named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year.

1996: SEC Regular Season Titles

From 1996 until 2007, the Gators won three SEC regular season titles and three SEC tournament titles.

1996: Helped Recruit Kentucky's Championship Team

In 1996, Billy Donovan helped to recruit the members of UK's national championship team.

1998: Lasting Success

In the 1998-99 season, Billy Donovan brought lasting success to the Florida basketball program.

1999: NCAA Tournament Invitation

Between 1999 and 2007, the Gators were invited to the NCAA Tournament every season, reaching three national championship games and winning two NCAA titles.

1999: SEC Championship

In the 1999-2000 season, Billy Donovan led the Florida Gators to their first regular season SEC Championship.

2000: Gators Won SEC Regular Season

During the 2000–01 season, the Gators again won the SEC regular season championship.

2000: NCAA Championship Appearance

In 2000, Billy Donovan led the Florida Gators to an appearance in the NCAA championship game.

February 3, 2003: Team Achieved No. 1 Ranking

On February 3, 2003, Billy Donovan's team achieved a No. 1 ranking in the ESPN/USA Today poll for the first time in school history.

December 8, 2003: Returned to No. 1 Ranking

On December 8, 2003, Billy Donovan's Florida Gator team returned to the No. 1 ranking in the ESPN/USA Today poll.

2004: Florida Won SEC Tournament

In the 2004–05 season, Florida defeated Kentucky to win the SEC tournament championship.

2005: Best Start to Season

In the 2005-06 season, Donovan's Gator squad posted the school's best-ever win streak to start a season.

December 20, 2006: Winningest Coach in Florida History

On December 20, 2006, Billy Donovan became the winningest basketball coach in Florida history after earning his 236th win, surpassing Norm Sloan's record.

2006: NCAA Championship

In 2006, Billy Donovan led the Florida Gators to an NCAA championship.

2006: Amos Alonzo Stagg Award

In 2006, the United States Sports Academy presented Billy Donovan with the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award.

2007: Continued Success at Florida

Between 1999 and 2007, the Gators were invited to the NCAA Tournament every season, reaching three national championship games and winning two NCAA titles.

2007: Back-to-Back NCAA Championship

In 2007, Billy Donovan led the Florida Gators to back-to-back NCAA championships.

2007: Repeat Championship and NCAA History

In 2007, Florida secured their repeat championship with an 84–75 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The University of Florida became the first school in NCAA history to hold both the football and basketball national championships simultaneously.

2007: Gators' Success and SEC Championship

In 2007, the Gators showed maturity and team play. They lost three of four games during SEC play, but regained momentum with a win over Kentucky, claiming the SEC regular season championship. They repeated as SEC Tournament champions.

2010: John R. Wooden Award

In 2010, Billy Donovan was the recipient of the John R. Wooden Award's "Legends of Coaching Award".

March 8, 2011: SEC Coach of the Year

On March 8, 2011, Billy Donovan was named the 2011 SEC Coach of the Year, his first time winning the award. Chandler Parsons also became the first Gator to win SEC Player of the Year honors.

2011: SEC Coach of the Year

In 2011, Billy Donovan was recognized by his peers as the SEC Coach of the Year.

2011: SEC Title and NCAA Tournament

In 2011, the Gators won the SEC regular-season title and were runners-up in the SEC Tournament. They defeated BYU in the NCAA Tournament but lost to Butler in the Elite Eight.

January 19, 2013: 400th Career Victory at Florida

On January 19, 2013, Billy Donovan recorded his 400th career victory at the University of Florida with an 83–52 win over the Missouri Tigers.

2013: SEC Coach of the Year

In 2013, Billy Donovan was recognized by his peers as the SEC Coach of the Year.

2014: SEC Coach of the Year

In 2014, Billy Donovan was recognized by his peers as the SEC Coach of the Year.

2014: Undefeated SEC Record and Tournament Win

In 2014, Florida became the first team in SEC history to finish with an 18–0 conference record and won the SEC Tournament, running their record against SEC opponents to 21–0.

February 28, 2015: 500 Career Wins

On February 28, 2015, Billy Donovan became the second youngest coach in NCAA Division I history to reach 500 career wins. However, the Gators finished the season with a losing record, ending their winning and 20-win season streaks.