GAINESVILLE, FLA. ? Billy Donovan’s NBA coaching career might end up being a whole lot shorter than his pro playing career – and that didn’t last very long.

Donovan is trying to void the five-year, $27.5 million contract he signed last week with the Orlando Magic in hopes of returning to the Florida Gators, a person familiar with the negotiations said Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Earlier Monday, the Magic said Donovan was “conflicted” about his decision to leave the two-time NCAA champions. The NBA team also said talks were continuing regarding his contract.

“While Central Florida, the Orlando Magic and Billy were energized with the announcement of his contract signing on Friday, we know there was a different feeling in Gainesville and people have been tugging at him since that time,” the Magic said in a statement.

“Billy is conflicted with those emotions and the opportunity he has ahead in Orlando and in the NBA. We’ve had numerous conversations and a personal visit in Gainesville with Billy over the last 48 hours, and we have a commitment from him that the dialogue between us will continue.”

FoxSports.com, citing two anonymous sources, first reported Sunday that Donovan was having second thoughts about coaching the Magic and approached both sides about getting out of the deal. According to one of the sources, the Magic forced Donovan to make a rash decision.

The Orlando Sentinel reported Monday that Donovan had been released from his contract with the NBA team and that the Magic had renewed their search to replace Brian Hill.

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said he had been advised to not talk about the situation, a possible indication that Donovan was trying to return to Gainesville.

“On advice of counsel, I cannot comment and will not,” Foley said.

Donovan did not return repeated calls for comment.

He led the Gators to consecutive national titles the past two seasons and was slated to sign a seven-year deal worth approximately $3.5 million annually with Florida. The deal was nearly finalized when he agreed to coach the Magic.

Donovan, who played 44 games with the New York Knicks, said last week that he had always been intrigued by the NBA.