Florida coach Todd Golden shoots down NBA rumors

Field Level Media|published: Wed 22nd April, 12:12 2026

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round-Iowa at Florida

Mar 22, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden looks on against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Florida coach Todd Golden shot down reports linking him to a potential vacancy with the Golden State Warriors.

"I'm definitely planning on coaching the Gators," he told reporters Wednesday when asked if he would be back in Gainesville next season.

Multiple reports this week suggested that the Warriors could target Golden if they decide to move on from Steve Kerr, whose contract is up after 12 seasons and four NBA championships.

Golden, 40, coached at the University of San Francisco from 2019-22 before taking over at Florida and winning the national championship in 2024-25.

He is 103-41 with the Gators, who lost in the second round of this season's NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed.

Golden's comments come one day after potential NBA lottery pick Thomas Haugh announced he was returning to Florida for his senior season in 2026-27. Two other starters from this year's squad also are coming back in fellow forward Alex Condon and guard Boogie Fland. Starting center Rueben Chinyelu announced on Monday that he is maintaining his eligibility throughout the NBA draft process.

Golden has no NBA coaching experience, having served as an assistant at Columbia (2012-14), Auburn (2014-16) and San Francisco (2016-19) before compiling a 57-36 record in three seasons leading the Dons.

--Field Level Media

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