Todd Golden

Todd Golden, born on July 7, 1985, in Phoenix, Arizona, embarked on his basketball journey early, leading Sunnyslope High School to a 4A state championship in 2002. His collegiate career at Saint Mary’s College of California (2004-2008) saw him contribute to two NCAA Tournament appearances, excelling as a senior point guard with a high assist-to-turnover ratio and setting a program record for free-throw percentage. Post-college, Golden played professionally for Maccabi Haifa in Israel’s top division from 2008 to 2010. During this period, he also co-captained the USA Open Team to a gold medal at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, coached by Bruce Pearl. Following his playing career, Golden spent two years in sales and marketing in the San Francisco Bay Area, gaining experience with IMG College and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area before transitioning into coaching.

Golden began his coaching career in 2012 as an assistant coach and director of basketball operations under Kyle Smith at Columbia University. He then joined Bruce Pearl’s staff at Auburn University in 2014, working his way up to assistant coach by 2015 and focusing on guards and analytical data. In 2016, Golden reunited with Kyle Smith at the University of San Francisco as associate head coach, where he was instrumental in recruiting and defensive coordination. This period saw the Dons consistently achieve 20-win seasons and a strong defensive ranking. His strategic approach and commitment to player development prepared him for leadership roles.

In 2019, Todd Golden became the head coach for the San Francisco Dons, guiding them to a 24-10 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998 in the 2021-22 season. His success led to his appointment as the head coach for the Florida Gators men’s basketball team on March 18, 2022. In just his third season, the Gators achieved a 36-4 record, secured their fifth SEC Tournament title, and captured the third national championship in program history, making Golden, at 39, the youngest national championship coach since 1983. This historic 2024-25 season showcased his meticulous roster construction and ability to foster both offensive prowess and defensive efficiency, with the team leading the SEC in scoring margin and setting program records for points and three-point field goals. His proven track record in talent acquisition and strategic coaching has solidified his reputation as a leader in college basketball.