Florida's coach breaks his silence on NBA rumors, revealing his commitment to the Gators and plans for next season.
Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports ignited a firestorm of curiosity about the future of head coach Todd Golden and Florida this week when he reported the Golden State Warriors would go after him if Steve Kerr parted ways with the organization this spring.
Golden was expected to be atop the short list of coaches for North Carolina to replace Hubert Davis, but his name didn't get much smoke before the Tar Heels hired former NBA head coach Michael Malone.
The buyout for the Warriors to hire Golden would be $2 million, much less than the $11 million a college program would have to pay Florida to hire the head coach who won the national championship in 2025.
On Wednesday, Golden responded to rumors about the Warriors during his news conference. He said he planned to stay with UF for the 2026-27 season.
“That’s an interesting question,” Golden said, via video from Field of 68. “I’m definitely planning on coaching the Gators.”
Golden has been busy putting together a roster before the transfer portal closed on Tuesday, and appears focused on next year's team in Gainesville than any job opening in the NBA.
Denzel Aberdeen needs a waiver to play for a fifth season. Golden is hopeful he can coach Aberdeen next season.
"Obviously we're gonna fight to get his additional year and allow him to be part of this team again," Golden said, via The Gainesville Sun.
"Similar to Tommy and Condo, Denzel loves the guys on this team. I think he appreciates our staff and our program and what we've got going on here. There were no hard feelings, no animosity."
Golden would certainly intrigue a few NBA front offices this offseason, given his success with the Gators. UF won the national championship in 2025 before earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament this year after a dramatic midseason turnaround.
But the NBA comes with responsibilities and pressures that are harder than college. He'd have less control over the roster. With the Warriors, he'd be expected to make the playoffs with a roster that isn't elite anymore.