Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden’s name has been surrounded by plenty of speculation as of late and Hubert Davis’ firing doesn’t quiet down the noise — but Golden is expected to remain in Gainesville for the foreseeable future.
With the Gators having faced an earlier-than-expected NCAA Tournament exit, various questions have already been hurled toward Golden.
While the fourth-year coach signed a two-year extension in March 2024, then received another extension in 2025 that added an extra year to his contract, a Round of 32 loss brought question marks surrounding Golden’s future. Golden’s 2025 extension made him the fifth-highest paid men’s basketball head coach, totaling $40.5 million over the life of the deal.
Loading ...He is set to make an average salary of $6.75 million, triggering a buyout price of $16 million if he were to leave for another program. If Golden remains in Gainesville after April 16, that number falls to $11 million.
The early tournament exit, coupled with Davis being fired Tuesday evening, sparked speculation. However, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin shut down the rumors of Golden trading the Gator threads late Tuesday morning.
“Todd wants to be at the University of Florida,” Stricklin said. “I wish all those programs really good luck. I’m sure they’ll find a good coach out there, and I’m glad Todd’s going to be here for a long time.”
The Tar Heels faced a first-round exit thanks to a four-point loss to No. 11 VCU. Davis spent five seasons at his alma mater in Chapel Hill before dropping three-consecutive games to close out 2026.
Golden, while just 40 years old, cemented his name in Florida’s history books. He became the eighth-youngest coach to win a national championship, and the youngest since NC State’s Jim Valvano hoisted the trophy in 1983.
The Arizona native is also just one win shy of becoming the fifth-winningest men’s basketball coach in Florida history (104). Golden was named SEC Coach of the Year after the Gators secured the SEC regular-season title.
His success is certainly attractive for programs that were sent home early from the NCAA Tournament, but North Carolina isn’t the only school that could be searching for a coach this offseason.
The Kansas Jayhawks are led by 63-year-old Bill Self, who has faced serious health concerns in recent years. Self was hospitalized in January amid heart issues, prompting speculation of retirement.
“I’ll get back and visit with family,” Self told reporters March 22. “I’ve had obviously some issues off the court health-wise. And that will be discussed. But I love what I do. I want to feel good while I’m doing it, though. We’ll get back and we’ll discuss that when we get back.”
The Gators weren’t the only team ousted in the Round of 32 in heartbreaking fashion. Self’s Jayhawks watched as St. John’s Dylan Darling’s go-ahead layup sent the Red Storm to its first Sweet 16 since 1999.
While both Kansas and Florida are in similar situations following their March Madness departures, the latter has more certainty regarding its coaching situation.
UNC’s coaching vacancy, and Kansas’ possibly imminent one, leaves additional questions surrounding Golden’s future with the Gators. Now Stricklin could face the reality of handing Golden his third contract extension in as many years to retain the reigning national champion.
