JOHN LINDROOS
The University of Florida Gators defeated the University of Houston Cougars 65-63 to win the NCAA Division l March Madness Tournament on Apr. 7. Leading the Gators was former USF head coach Todd Golden, who spent three seasons with the Dons between 2019 to 2022.
During his tenure at the Hilltop, Golden held a 57-36 overall record, and led USF to its first March Madness appearance since 1998 in 2022. Following the season, Golden accepted the head coaching position at Florida.
In his first two seasons, Golden led Florida to a 16-17 and 24-12 record. This season, Florida earned the top seed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), going 36-4, placing them as the number one seed in the March Madness tournament in the West region.
At age 39, Golden became the ninth youngest head coach to win a national championship, and is the youngest since Jim Valvano of North Carolina State University in 1983.
The Gators’ tournament journey included Norfolk State University, University of Connecticut, University of Maryland, Texas Tech University and Auburn University, before facing Houston in the finals.
Before the start of their Sweet Sixteen match againstvs Maryland on March 27, which was played at Chase Center, Florida held an informal practice at the Sobrato Center on March 25, making way for Golden’s return to USF.
Pictures posted by the USF men’s basketball account on @usfdonsmbb on Instagram show Golden hugging several members of his former coaching staff, which included current USF men’s basketball Head Coach Chris Gerlufsen, who worked as an associate head coach under Golden.
According to Mercury News, in an interview at Chase Center, Golden said, “Just landing in San Francisco and driving back through the city, I had to pinch myself a little bit. It was a full-circle moment.”
Despite winning the national championship, Golden faced much controversy throughout the season, as Golden received a formal Title IX complaint on Sept. 24, which became public on Nov. 8 when The Alligator, Florida’s student newspaper, reported allegations of Golden engaging in sexual harassment and stalking of women, which included Florida students.
According to the complaint, Golden’s behavior was directed at several students over the previous 12 months, which included “initiated sexual advances on Instagram” and “requested sexual favors” and showing up to locations where he knew women would be.
In response, Golden posted a statement on X on Nov. 9, which included, “For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry.” Golden brought up the possibility of “defamation claims.”
After a four month investigation, on Jan. 27, Florida claimed to have found no evidence that Golden violated Title IX, and the investigation was closed, according to ESPN.
Golden posted another statement on X, stating, “The last several months have been a challenge for my family and me while this process has dragged on. We asked the public to allow the process to work through its conclusion and not rush to judgment based on allegations. The UAA and so many at the University have been tremendously supportive – my family and I are extremely grateful.”
Following the win against Houston, Golden said that he and Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin are “close” to a contract agreement that “keeps the Goldens in Gainesville for awhile.” Golden previously agreed to a two-year contract extension with Florida on March 14, which keeps him at Florida through the 2029-2030 season.
Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Premmer; Managing Editor: Jordan DelFuigo; Chief of Copy: Sophia McCrackin; News Editor: Deeya Gupta; Sports Editor: John Lindroos
