GAINESVILLE, FLA- After enduring another disappointing basketball season, Florida’s Athletic Director Scott Stricklin has decided to make major changes inside the Gator’s Basketball Program. In reference to the aforementioned changes, Stricklin has officially hired former San Fransico Head Coach Todd Golden as the Gators next head coach. According to the University of Florida, Golden has signed a six-year, $18 million deal with the Gators. Golden will take over the coaching duties after Florida relieved Mike White, who led the Gators to a 142-88 record and four NCAA tournaments in six years. In a corresponding move, the University of San Fransisco (USF) has promoted associate head coach Chris Gerlufsen as their new head coach.
As for Golden, he has established himself as one of the nation’s premier up-and-coming head coaches. At just 36 years old, Golden led the Dons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 24 years. Unfortunately, No. 10 San Fransico’s NCAA Tournament trip ended early, as the Dons fell to the No. 7 Murray State Racers in an overtime classic on Thursday night, 87-92. In addition to the NCAA Tournament Berth, Golden engineered a quick turnaround of the Don’s basketball program, leading them to a 24-10 regular-season record and 10-6 conference record, good enough for fourth place in the West Coast Conference (WCC). Since Golden began coaching in San Francisco, he’s accumulated a 57-36 overall record, which includes a 23-19 record in conference play.
“We’re incredibly excited about bringing in Todd (Golden), who is an innovative, relationship-oriented coach, to lead our men’s basketball program,” Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a statement. “Todd brings a smart and analytics-driven approach to the game and a relational approach to leadership that puts student-athletes first. He has a wide range of experience, particularly for a coach his age, and brings an outstanding track record and high level of integrity to the job.”
Todd Golden’s Former Coaching Experience and the Future Outlook of the Gators
Before Golden began coaching at San Fransisco, he already gained valuable coaching from some of the best coaches in the nation. Prior to taking over the coaching duties at San Fransisco, Golden was an assistant coach under former USF coach Kyle Smith, who went 63-40 in his three seasons as the Dons’ coach. In spite of finding coaching success at a mid-major school, rather than a power-five school, Golden should be able to replicate his success in the SEC. Previous to being hired as Smith’s heir apparent, Golden was a coaching assistant for Auburn’s longtime coach Bruce Pearl from 2014-16.
For Florida, the coaching change was deemed to be necessary after the Gators missed the 2022 NCAA Tournament with a 19-13 overall record and a 9-9 conference record. Despite missing the Tournament, Golden and the Gators will have a lot of work to do in constructing a winning roster, as seven of Florida’s 15 players are seniors and will be graduating from the program. Among the notable departures from Gainesville include Colin Castleton (16.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG), Tyree Appleby (10.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.7 APG), and Phlandrous Fleming (11.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG). If Florida wants to return to the pinnacle of the Southeastern Conference, then it will be important for Golden and the Gators to ‘retool’ and gain talent from the recruiting period and transfer portal.
I had the pleasure to watch Todd play guard for SMC under coach Randy Bennett. Todd was an excellent shooter and excellent defender. As witnessed by hitting five straight three’s in an upset win over Gonzaga in 2009. As City Manager for the Town of Moraga, my wife and I got to know Todd. It was evident he was going places, even back then. Floria will thrive under him.