Grant To Alabama

((HT: Jeff Goodman/FoxSports))

Just hours after his former boss, Billy Donovan, decided to remain at Florida, VCU coach Anthony Grant has accepted the Alabama job.

Grant made the decision early Friday night, sources close to Alabama's program told FOXSports.com.

Grant ((pictured, thanks al.com)), who took Virginia Commonwealth to two NCAA tournament appearances in three seasons, replaces Mark Gottfried, who was fired during the season. VCU was 24-10 this past season and lost to UCLA in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Grant, 42, met with Alabama officials in Richmond last weekend and then toured the campus Wednesday. According to sources, Alabama offered Grant a deal that was worth about $2 million per season.

Grant was in a holding pattern for a day or so because there was speculation that Donovan would leave Florida and go to Kentucky — thus leaving the door open for Grant to replace Donovan in Gainesville.

However, Donovan pulled his name from consideration and Grant opted to take the job in Tuscaloosa. The job with the Crimson Tide gives Grant a chance to coach on the other side of the SEC and not have to battle in the same division with Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Ian Rapoport of the Birmingham News confirms:

Crimson Tide officials have agreed "in principle" with Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant for Grant to be the program's next basketball coach, Grant told The Birmingham News in a text message. No word on when a press conference will be held...