​Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden is experiencing a particularly meaningful moment as his team advances to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. This achievement resonates deeply with Golden due to his personal and professional ties to the San Francisco Bay Area, where the upcoming games will be held.​
Golden’s coaching journey began in the Bay Area, serving as an assistant coach at Columbia University before taking on roles at Auburn and later at the University of San Francisco (USF). At USF, he was promoted to head coach in 2019, leading the Dons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998 during the 2021–22 season. His success at USF paved the way for his current position at Florida, which he assumed in March 2022. ​
Returning to the Bay Area for the Sweet 16 not only marks a professional milestone for Golden but also brings personal significance. The region is where he honed his coaching skills and built lasting relationships within the basketball community. Reflecting on this homecoming, Golden expressed enthusiasm about playing in front of familiar faces and returning to a place that has greatly influenced his career. ​
The Gators secured their Sweet 16 spot with a thrilling 77-75 victory over UConn, a game that highlighted the team’s resilience and determination. Golden’s animated celebration following the win underscored the emotional weight of this achievement. ​
As Florida prepares to face the Maryland Terrapins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 4:39 PM PDT, Golden remains focused on guiding his team through the challenges ahead while embracing the personal significance of this Bay Area homecoming.
