Billy Donovan, who coached the University of Florida to two national championships and four Final Fours in 19 seasons, resigned on Thursday to become the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the N.B.A. team announced on Thursday.
Donovan, 49, who has flirted with making the leap to the N.B.A. several times in recent seasons, going so far as to accept an offer to coach the Orlando Magic in 2007 before backing out and returning to Florida days later, will be tasked with coaching one of the league’s most talent-laden teams, albeit one that missed the playoffs after an injury-plagued season.