The Florida Gators hired San Francisco’s Todd Golden as their new men’s basketball coach Friday, ending a quick search by adding a 36-year-old rising star with SEC experience.
“I’m energized by the opportunity to lead an elite program at Florida, and I’m ready to get started,” Golden said in a statement. “Florida has a championship-level athletic department, university and men’s basketball program, and I embrace the standard of excellence at Florida and the passion of Gator Nation. We couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds in Gainesville.”
The Gators have reasons to be excited, too. Golden was 57-36 as the Dons’ coach since taking over after the 2019 season. He most recently led San Francisco to a 24-10 record and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998. Golden’s 10th-seeded Dons lost to Murray State in overtime Thursday, setting up the quick hire by UF.
