GAINESVILLE — Just days after a legendary coach and dear friend embarked on a new challenge, UF athletic director Jeremy Foley looked to sum up coach Billy Donovan's impact on him, the Gators and the Gainesville community.
Foley rarely is at a loss for words, but his silence Monday as he choked back tears spoke volumes.
"Basketball games come and go," Foley concluded. "Relationships like this are once in a generation."
Foley, 61, also knows change is the name of the game in college athletics.
Once Donovan made peace with his decision last Thursday to leave UF after 19 seasons for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, Foley had no choice but to move on himself.