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Less than a day after it was reported that Florida basketball coach Todd Golden could be pursued by the Golden State Warriors – those rumors were put to an end. In his first press conference since the end of the season, Golden was asked if he was set to return to coach the Gators next season. “I’m definitely planning on coaching the Gators,” said Golden, who didn't expand further.

Issac Edelman: Todd Golden said that Thomas Haugh had a great conversation with Draymond Green that told him what life was like in the NBA - and that the NBA will always be there for him. This perhaps played a part in Tommy’s decision to return to Gainesville.

If Steve Kerr walks, ESPN reported that the front office would consider external candidates, even exploring the college ranks. I'm told the Warriors love Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden. He's known the Lacob family for years, and league sources say they've long admired his coaching talent ever since he was an assistant coach at the University of San Francisco. But Golden would be no guarantee to leave Florida for a Warriors franchise that is, frankly, a less appealing destination than it used to be. With aging stars and no youthful core to build around, the Warriors may no longer be in a position to get exactly what they want.
Which college basketball team is the biggest winner after the withdrawal deadline? Borzello: Florida was one. There were other winners, certainly -- including Houston (Milos Uzan), Michigan (Lendeborg), Auburn (Tahaad Pettiford) and Kentucky (Otega Oweh) -- but the Gators went from a borderline top-20 team to a legitimate contender to open the season as the No. 1 team with a real chance to win back-to-back titles. Florida was the beneficiary of Fland's withdrawal, as the Arkansas transfer ultimately committed to the Gators a week after making his decision. Then Alex Condon, a fringe first-round pick, also withdrew to return to Gainesville. With both officially in the fold, coach Todd Golden has as good a starting five as there is in college basketball.
No one in college basketball had a better year than Florida head coach Todd Golden. The 39-year-old won a national championship in year three and became a household name in the sport. Florida responded by giving him a hefty raise. That pay bump also included an out that could allow him to leave Gainesville fairly easy if the NBA comes calling.
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The buyout if Golden leaves for another college basketball job ranges from $11 million to $16 million over the next two seasons. However, it’s different if a NBA team comes calling. Todd Golden’s NBA buyout is only $3 million in 2025-26, $2 million for from 2026-27 and 2027-28, and $1 million in 2028-29. If a NBA team wants to hire Golden it will probably happen pretty easily.
Florida sophomore forward Alex Condon will test the NBA Draft waters with an opportunity to return to UF for his junior season, UF head coach Todd Golden said after the Gators' national championship celebration.