Todd Golden shares pride in becoming youngest title coach in 64-team era, surpassing Billy Donovan

There were any number of impressive stats and streaks that accompanied Florida‘s national title win on Monday night. One of them involved head coach Todd Golden.

At 39 years old, Golden became the youngest coach to win a national title since the tournament expanded to 64 teams. That was an honor previously held by former Florida coach Billy Donovan.

“I mean, I’m super proud obviously,” Golden said. “But I’m just a piece of this puzzle. I’ve been able to put together an incredible staff and recruit great student-athletes over these last three years.”

That is putting it rather mildly. Todd Golden already has two of his assistants set to depart for head coaching jobs this offseason.

He’s got a roster that has been constructed through meticulous scouting. And it’s one he’ll largely enjoy next year, at least in the frontcourt, where most are set to return.

But for a 39-year-old coach who hadn’t even won an NCAA Tournament game prior to this year to hoist the trophy and cut the nets… well, that’s something extra special. Todd Golden credited those around him.

“We’ve stayed the course all year and worked really hard,” Golden said. “My best answer is I’m just really proud. I’m proud to be the head coach of Florida. I’m proud of the way our players performed. I’m proud of the way our staff prepared our guys to become national champions.”

Florida got there with a resilient effort. The team trailed in four of its final five games in the tournament in the second half. Yet it found a way to win.

That’s a credit to Todd Golden and the job he did building a sustainable program culture. A gritty attitude.

And Florida has its third national championship to show for it now. How special is that? Well, it made the Gators the only program to have three national titles in both football and basketball.

Pretty special. Just like the 39-year-old Todd Golden becoming the youngest coach ever to win it all in the 64-team era.