Todd Golden and Florida agree to $40.5 million contract – University of Florida Sign — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Katherine Welles
The Gators have awarded coach Todd Golden a new six-year deal that would place him among the top five highest-paid coaches in the nation, following his successful lead of Florida to 36 victories and a national championship. Golden’s new contract expires in 2031. The school said Tuesday that he will receive $40.5 million over the next six years.
Since Jim Valvano of NC State won the national title in 1983, Golden, who is currently 39, was the youngest head coach to do so.
In a statement announcing the deal, Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin remarked, “Todd has done an incredible job getting Florida men’s basketball back where it belongs.” “We believed in his vision, his competitive nature and his modern approach to the game back in 2022, and he has validated that belief in a relatively short time and helped create memories of a lifetime for another generation of Gator fans.”
Another remarkable achievement was the construction of the Gators. In the age of the internet, Florida became the first team to win a national championship without having a player ranked in the top 100. For its roster-building and player development, Golden and the Florida staff were well regarded. Walter Clayton Jr., an Iona transfer, became a member of the First Team All-American. Florida assisted in turning all five of its starting players into NBA Draft hopefuls despite lacking a strong recruiting background. Rueben Chinyelu, Clayton, Alijah Martin, Will Richard, and Alex Condon were all invited to the NBA Draft Combine the following week.
Despite having a 76-33 record after three seasons at Florida, Golden has not been without criticism. Following an inquiry into claims of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and stalking, Golden was exonerated in January.
The Gators won the national championship precisely ten weeks after Florida’s Title IX agency withdrew the complaint. And Golden’s new deal was revealed over a month later.
Golden’s $6.75 million yearly pay for the upcoming season will put him behind only Danny Hurley of UConn, John Calipari of Arkansas, and Bill Self of Kansas, according to USA Today’s database of coaching salaries.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
