Florida’s Todd Golden has shut down the idea that he will leave the Florida Gators for an NBA job this offseason. Golden has become heavily linked to the Golden State Warriors, a job that’s still not open but which is expected to become available soon. Current coach Steve Kerr is believed to be about to leave the program.
When asked in a press interaction this Wednesday about the possibility of leaving the school, Golden had this to say:
“That’s an interesting question, Mark,” Golden said, pausing as the room full of reporters laughed, in a video shared by Field of 68. “I’m definitely planning on coaching the Gators.”
Fans were quick to react to Todd Golden’s comments, with most believing he’s leaving himself open for the future:
“He said the same thing before he left USF for Florida. 😂,” wrote one person
““I plan to coach the Gators” is super vague and leaves him open to potentially leaving,” commented another fan
Perhaps he will be leaving next season?
“yeah then after he loses his generational front court, he realizes he has to rebuild that whole team then he dips out next year,” ventured another person
Several people noted that he said something similar right before he left USF for Florida.
“He also never told his players at USF he was leaving, even after he was offered the Florida job. A look at his history at Florida off the court,” explained another person
Some fans think Todd Golden is just playing the regular PR game.
“Perfectly worded PR statement. This keeps door open to say coaching in NBA and coaching Curry is a dream a coach can’t turn down. Then something about plans changing when a once in a lifetime opportunity like this opens up,” explained one fan
“That’s not exactly “shooting it down”. That’s coach speak for money changes plans,” wrote another fan
Other fans do think he will leave, but not in the foreseeable future.
“Florida has Golden for at least 2-3 more years before I think he makes that pro move if it does come. He’s especially not leaving with his guys Haugh, Condon and Rue likely all back. Thought that was pretty obvious,” explained someone else
Why is Steve Kerr Leaving the Golden State Warriors?
The job possibility for Todd Golden comes from the end of Steve Kerr’s 12-year tenure at Golden State. It was long expected that Kerr would leave the Warriors at the end of the 2025-26 season, with the coach seeing it as his last dance with the team.
In the end, the season was a disappointment with an overall record of 37-45 and a failure to make the postseason.
It seems that this itched Kerr into wanting to return for another season to go out in a high, but most sources around the NBA believe it’s just the end of a highly successful cycle for the Bay Area franchise. Whether the next cycle is led by Todd Golden or not remains to be seen.
Read more:
Old Kentucky Memory Proves Braydon Hawthorne Didn’t Stick With Mark Pope for Just Money
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
