GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan agreed in principle to a two-year extension to his current contract, school officials said Thursday. <br>
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Donovan, who led the Gators to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance this season, and the school have not finalized the terms of the extension, team spokesman Steve McClain said. <br>
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The two years will be added on to the $6 million, five-year deal Donovan signed in 2000, McClain said. <br>
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``I am thankful for such a committed and supportive administration here at Florida. I am excited and look forward to all of the challenges that lie ahead,'' Donovan said in a statement. <br>
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Florida went 22-9 last season but bowed out of the tournament in the first round with a loss to Creighton. Donovan, 36, became the Gators' coach in 1996, leading them to the national championship game in 2000, losing to Michigan State. <br>
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``Coach Donovan has done a tremendous job of putting our basketball program among the nation's elite and our goals are to maintain the recent success we've enjoyed over an extended period,'' athletic director Jeremy Foley said.
