Gainesville, FL – May 24, 2025 — In the wake of one of the most memorable seasons in college basketball history, the University of Florida has rewarded men’s basketball head coach Todd Golden with a significant raise, elevating his annual salary to $6 million. The increase follows the Gators’ triumphant run through the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where they captured the national title for the first time since 2007.
Golden, who just completed his third season at the helm of the Gators, guided the program to a 34–4 record, culminating in a thrilling victory over the Kansas Jayhawks in the national championship game. His team’s remarkable cohesion, defensive prowess, and clutch performances drew national attention, reigniting the pride of Florida basketball fans and restoring the program to its championship pedigree.
The new contract, approved unanimously by the University Athletic Association’s Board of Directors, makes Golden one of the highest-paid coaches in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and among the elite earners in the nation. University President Ben Sasse praised Golden for not only leading the team to on-court success but also for instilling a culture of integrity and academic excellence.
“Todd has been instrumental in elevating our men’s basketball program back to national prominence,” Sasse said in a statement. “His commitment to excellence, leadership, and mentorship embodies the values we hold at the University of Florida. This new contract reflects our confidence in him and our commitment to sustaining championship-level success.”
Golden, 39, expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized that the raise was a reflection of the collective effort from players, staff, and the university community.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the university’s show of faith in our program,” Golden said. “This season was something special—our players bought in, they gave everything, and together we achieved something unforgettable. I’m excited about the future of Florida basketball, and we’re just getting started.”
Golden’s rise has been meteoric. Before taking over in Gainesville, he spent three seasons as head coach at the University of San Francisco, where he built a reputation for analytics-driven strategy and player development. Since arriving at Florida in 2022, he has transformed the Gators into a powerhouse, attracting elite recruits and consistently competing at the top of the SEC.
This year’s championship run featured dominant performances from future NBA lottery pick Jayden Wallace and senior captain Malik Hines, both of whom credited Golden’s leadership as a critical factor in their success. Florida’s run was marked by comeback wins, tactical adjustments, and a defense that stifled even the most potent offenses.
The new contract extends Golden through the 2031 season and includes performance bonuses, incentives for academic achievements, and increased investment in assistant coaching staff and facilities. The deal was negotiated swiftly following the championship win, as athletic director Scott Stricklin made it clear that retaining Golden was a top priority.
“This wasn’t just about rewarding past success—it’s about investing in the sustained excellence of Florida basketball,” Stricklin said. “Todd is a brilliant coach and a tremendous leader. We’re proud he’s a Gator, and we look forward to what lies ahead under his guidance.”
The raise also reflects broader trends in collegiate athletics, where coaching salaries have escalated alongside increasing media revenues and the growing prominence of college basketball’s postseason. Golden’s new deal places him among the top ten highest-paid coaches in the NCAA, signaling Florida’s intention to maintain its position among the sport’s elite programs.
Golden’s impact off the court has also been felt. Under his leadership, the Gators have posted their highest academic progress rate (APR) in a decade, and player community involvement has expanded. His emphasis on character, discipline, and education has earned praise from university officials and alumni alike.
With the title banner soon to be raised in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center and a top-5 recruiting class inbound, the Florida Gators are positioned for continued success. As Golden looks ahead to the 2025–26 season, expectations will be higher than ever—but if this season proved anything, it’s that he and his team are up to the challenge.
“This isn’t the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of a new era,” Golden said. “We’re building something special here at Florida. The best is yet to come.”