Florida's AD fights to keep coach Todd Golden from blue-blood overtures, aiming to build a dynasty and stave off departures with a new deal.
Despite earning a No. 1 seed, Florida could not match the magic they had in the NCAA Tournament in 2025 when it won the national title, falling 73-72 to No. 9 seed Iowa in the second round on Sunday.
The loss came amid speculation that Golden could leave Florida for a potential high-profile opening like North Carolina or Kansas.
The Tar Heels could part ways with Hubert Davis. Bill Self is considering retirement after a long career with the Jayhawks.
Per the Associated Press, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin is preparing to offer Golden a contract extension for the third season in a row. The head coach's buyout is at $16 million but will drop to $11 million on April 16.
Stricklin is urging Golden to stay with the Gators, believing he can build a dynasty in Gainesville.
"It's pretty rarefied air that Todd and his staff and the players are taking us on," Stricklin said. "This particular group of guys connected with Gator Nation at a really unique level...
"They just feel a connection because how hard the guys play and how good a job they do representing the University of Florida. We're going to be back. Todd's going to have a program that's going to last a long, long time."
Golden has amassed a 103-41 record during his four seasons at UF. The Gators have made three NCAA Tournament appearances under Golden and won the regular season SEC Championship in 2026.
Golden told reporters that Sunday's loss would haunt him for a while.
"Overall a disappointing result for us tonight, but credit Iowa... We weren't able to take it and they knocked it down, so credit to them for that," Golden said, via 247Sports Just a tough way to go out. But really proud of my group.
"I love these guys. They did a great job for us all year, gaining the second 1 seed in a row, and tough one for us to swallow. We'll be thinking about this one for a while."
Golden could have a revenge tour in mind for Florida next season. He's built a strong program with the Gators and has no reason to leave for another blue-blood program.
Unless there are a lot of zeros that Stricklin can't match.