The Florida Gators didn’t get the encore ending to the 2025-26 season. Rathering than defending their title, the No. 1 seed Gators bowed out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
However, it’s looking increasingly likely that Todd Golden will get another shot at a title run with his dominant front court, as Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are both set to return, and Rueben Chinyelu is maintaining his eligibility as he tests the NBA Draft waters. That is, as long as Golden wants it. And it sounds like he does.
When asked about his plans for the future on Wednesday, Golden was clear. “I’m definitely planning on coaching the Gators.”
Reporter: "And you're back for sure?"
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) April 22, 2026
Todd Golden: "That's an interesting question, Mark. I'm definitely planning on coaching the Gators." pic.twitter.com/48VytKEFGc
Todd Golden sounds content in Gainesville, but it’s best if Steve Kerr stays put
With the NBA season coming to an end, Golden’s name has emerged as a possible candidate, particularly in Golden State. Steve Kerr openly mulled the possibility of his run with the Warriors coming to an end after the team’s play-in game exit last week, and quickly, Golden surfaced as the potential replacement.
Of course, Golden is “definitely planning on coaching the Gators,” but plans can change. It’s nitpicking, certainly, but Golden didn’t outright say he will be the coach of the Gators next season; he said he’s “planning on coaching the Gators.” The difference is small, but it exists, and it might leave enough room for majority owner Joe Lacob with a net worth of $2.3 billion and a franchise valued at over $10 billion to swoop in and change those plans.
One, it’s not a certainty that Kerr will walk away from the Warriors. They have a roster on a downward trajectory, but they still have Steph Curry, and even at 38-years-old, when he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in basketball. That’s a hard thing to walk away from, even for a nine-time NBA champion.
Then, if Kerr does leave, there’s no guarantee that Golden will get the offer, or that he will take it. It’s not likely that Haugh would have turned down the chance to become a first-round pick in this summer’s NBA Draft if he suspected his head coach would leave him high and dry.
All signs point to Golden staying in Gainesville, and that lines up with his message to reporters. So, Gator fans can exhale. At least for now.
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