Billy Donovan to Michigan? Wanna Bet?

At least one sportsbook is leaning into the idea of Billy Donovan being the next head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team.

As laid out by sister site Maize n’ Brew, BetOnline.AG’s initial odds for the next Michigan coach includes Donovan, currently the Thunder’s head coach and under contract for next season. Interestingly, Bovada does not list Donovan at all.

None of this gives any insight into what Donovan actually wants to do, however. Whenever a plum college job opens up, Donovan’s name will invariably be tied to it (see Indiana and UCLA in recent history). He left the University of Florida with 502 wins and two National Championships. He’s won 60 percent of his regular season games as an NBA head coach. This may become an annual ritual no matter what level he coaches at.

It’s quite possible that Donovan is happy coaching in the NBA and coaching the Thunder. Remember, he briefly accepted a five-year deal to coach the Orlando Magic in 2007 before having a change of heart. Despite two straight disappointing postseasons, Donovan and the Thunder still seem committed to each other.

ESPN’s Royce Young said on The Sports Animal that it was “pure speculation” that Donovan was flirting with Michigan, per a tweet from producer Matt Ravis.

None of the above is likely to silence the chatter, and it won’t die until the Wolverines hire their next coach. But if you’re in the mood to play the odds, at least one bookmaker is willing to take your cash.