ESPN already has the Billy Donovan to UNC speculation flying off the radar

Just hours after the announcement of Hubert Davis' firing, the rumors about who might take over as UNC's men's basketball coach continue to swirl.

UNC's dream Hubert Davis replacement already tells Bubba Cunningham no thanks

While some candidates have already said "no thanks," some are still very much being considered. Some top-tier names have been thrown around in the mix, and one of the more intriguing options is one that isn't currently coaching college basketball.

Could Billy Donovan be the "favorite" for the job?

Jeff Borzello of ESPN has been discussing the most recent developments regarding UNC's search for a new head coach, and seems to have a hightened sense of confidence that Billy Donovan could be their guy.

Here's what Borzello had to say about Donovan:

"Billy Donovan is expected to be at or near the top of the list. The Chicago Bulls head coach hasn't coached at the college level since 2015, spending the past 11 years with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20) and Bulls (since 2020). He has rejected opportunities to return to college before, but he could be more open to the idea now that the Bulls are going to miss the playoffs. He led Florida to two national championships (2006 and 2007) and took the Gators to two additional Final Fours (2000 and 2014). One complicating issue with Donovan would be timing; the Bulls' last game is April 12."

Will he return to the college ranks?

Currently serving as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls, it remains to be seen if Donovan is eying a return to the college ranks.

Donovan was a two-time national champion during his tenure at Florida, as he clearly is a proven-winner at this level. However, it's been over a decade since Donovan has been a head coach at the college level, and we all know how the landscape of collegiate athletics has shifted in that span of time.

Rumors continue to fly that Donovan may want out of Chicago, and the opening in Chapel Hill might give him the reasoning to jump back into the college basketball world.

For now, he's definitely a name to keep an eye on as UNC's head coaching search officially gets underway.