Jeremy Foley On Record Saying Donovan a Gator

Well, it's all over except for the press conference. ESPN now has Jeremy Foley on record saying that Billy Donovan will remain at Florida as the head coach of the Gators for the forseeable future.

From ESPN:

Donovan told Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart early Thursday morning by phone that he wasn't interested in leaving Florida. Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley told ESPN.com that he and Donovan also met Thursday.
In recounting that meeting, "He said, 'This my home, Jeremy. I love the University of Florida. I love you. I had a chance to talk to [wife] Christine and I'm not going anywhere."

An official statement on Donovan's decision is due Thursday afternoon.

The drama is finally over.

The dark cloud hanging over Gainesville despite winning an "oreo" of championships -- two basketball championships sandwiching a creamy football title filling -- has moved out and now hangs over Lexington. The Gator Nation's celebration can begin in earnest.

The Kentucky Sports Radio blog probably sums it up best for Cat fans:

I think I speak for everybody when I say, "F-."

And on that note... it's 1:00 in the afternoon, but I'm gonna go have a beer.

UPDATE | 2:01PM EDT: Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart has released the following statement:

"Throughout this process, our focus has been on finding the right person to lead college basketball's most storied program. We have had productive conversations with various individuals over the last two weeks, and it's obvious there are a number of outstanding coaches who could succeed at Kentucky. With the nation's most passionate fan support and unmatched facilities, I'm confident we'll find the right man.
"I had a conversation with Billy Donovan today to gauge any interest he might have in the head coaching position at Kentucky. Billy informed me that he intends to stay in Gainesville. As a former UK assistant, we wish him the very best.

"Obviously, finding the right coach is more important than finding the next coach quickly. Patience remains a priority as we continue to identify the best individual to lead the Big Blue Nation."