SAN FRANCISCO — Mark Daigneault arrived at the University of Florida 15 years ago in search of a master’s degree without any guarantees of a job while on campus.
Billy Donovan, now head coach of the Chicago Bulls, was near the tail end of his legendary run in Gainesville, Fla., having led the Gators to back-to-back NCAA championships. Three of his assistants, Larry Shyatt, Rob Lanier and Richard Pitino, departed that offseason. Donovan backfilled those spots with experienced candidates but needed extra help within the program. One of his best friends, Providence College teammate Ryan Ford, had become close with Daigneault during their time coaching together at Holy Cross. He
→ Continue reading at The New York Times Sports
