According to a source, the University of Florida is looking at San Francisco's Todd Golden as their next basketball coach. San Francisco's season is over after they lost in the NCAA tournament.
San Francisco earned its first NCAA tournament bid in over a decade. He led the Dons to a 24-10 record and a 10 seed in the NCAA tournament. San Francisco lost to Murray State 92-87 in Indianapolis on Thursday night.
Golden had a 57-36 record in three seasons at San Francisco. That included an upset of the then-No. In November 2020.
He fit the mold of other young and hungry coaches who have had success in Florida, because of his ability to innovate and connect with players. Florida officials were impressed with Golden's intelligence. Kyle Smith is the coach at Washington State.
Golden was an assistant coach at San Francisco, Columbia, and San Francisco before taking over at San Francisco. He served as an operations and an assistant coach at the SEC school, giving him familiarity with the league.
The San Francisco team ranked in the Top 25 in KenPom statistics in overall defense, average defensive possession length, and 3-point defense. San Francisco had three wins this season, including Arizona State.
Golden faced top-flight coaches like Mark Few, Randy Bennett,Herb Sendek, and Mark Pope. That will carry over to the SEC, which is establishing itself as a go-to destination for top coaches.
Golden walked on at Saint Mary's to play for Bennett and worked his way up to becoming a scholarship player and team captain. He played for two seasons in Israel's top division.
Golden would take over for Mike White, who left for Georgia last week after seven seasons at Florida. Billy Donovan was the best coach in school history and won two national titles there.
The Florida job is one of the SEC openings. Georgia, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Missouri and LSU all parted ways with their coaches.