Florida hires Michael White as new head coach, replaces Billy Donovan

Florida has hired its new head coach, announcing Thursday evening that Louisiana Tech head men's basketball coach Michael White has accepted the position in Gainesville.

Director of athletics Jeremy Foley announced the move Thursday, as White will replace Billy Donovan, who accepted the head coaching job with the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.

"Michael White is someone who came to the top of our list very quickly and he checks all of the boxes we were looking for," Foley said in a statement released through the university's official athletics site. "He is a winner who has a high level of integrity, plays an up-tempo style of play and has the respect of his peers and the basketball community. He has experience in coaching, recruiting and playing in the Southeastern Conference and has a strong pedigree."

White has agreed in principle to a six-year deal that will pay him an average of $2 million per year.

"I have an incredible amount of respect for the University of Florida, and I am so excited to be a Gator," White said in a statement. "Not only is Florida home for me, but the tradition and success that the Gators have built make this an incredible opportunity. I know about the great home court advantage in the O'Connell Center, which is a testament to the fans and the Rowdy Reptiles. There's an unbelievable commitment to excellence athletically and academically at UF, and it starts with the leadership of Dr. Fuchs and Jeremy Foley."

White compiled a 101-40 record in four seasons at Louisiana Tech, winning at least 27 games in each of the last three years while playing an up-tempo style.

In his four seasons with the Bulldogs, the team averaged 74.2 points. The 16.1 turnovers per game they forced ranks seventh in the nation over that time, and they ranked in the top 10 in the nation in steals each of the last two seasons.