Last week, Scott Stricklin came out and told opposing schools that were hoping to poach Todd Golden away from Florida, “good luck,” as Stricklin had full confidence the Gators would retain Golden amid rumors that some of the powers in college basketball were going to make a run at Golden. Stricklin also commented that Florida was working on a contract extension, which hasn’t had a public update.
But, one of those potential threats to poach Golden is now off the board as it turns out they will retain their own coach.
Bill Self to stay on at Kansas
Kansas coach Bill Self had been at the center of rumors that he might retire after Kansas was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament due to health reasons. Self had stayed mostly mum about the rumors until Wednesday night, when he released a statement that we would come back for the 2026-27 season, his 24th season with the school.
For Florida fans, it takes Kansas off the board of schools that could swoop in and make a run at Golden.
In fact, the three major schools that all seemed to be at the center of Golden rumors appear to all be off the board: Self is staying at Kansas, UNC seems to have its eyes elsewhere, and Kentucky hasn’t fired Mark Pope yet.
So that means Golden is for sure staying right?
Probably, but given that last week Florida itself said it was working on a contract extension, and no follow-up announcement has been made, it isn’t a done deal just yet. Because if one wants to go down a rabbit hole of rumors, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd is at the center of rumors he could dart to UNC, which in turn would open the Arizona job.
Would Golden leave for Arizona?
We sure hope not, as we would make the case that Florida is an infinitely better job than Arizona. And the fact that multiple Florida players have opted to return, including Boogie Fland, feels like a good sign as well. But Golden was born and raised in Phoenix, and he did grow up as an Arizona fan. And until the stated contract extension is announced, we have a feeling this connection is only going to gain steam.
Florida dodged one threat this week, but will still need to keep its ears open once the Final Four is complete.