Todd Golden shares his thoughts on the possibility of someday coaching in the NBA

Florida Gators head basketball coach Todd Golden is now the fourth-highest paid coach in college hoops following a new six-year contract worth $6.75 million annually. The lucrative deal reflects Florida’s confidence in Golden after he led the Gators to the national title back in April. But could the NBA eventually lure him away?

That question was posed to Golden during a recent appearance on Run It Back on FanDuel TV by co-host Chandler Parsons — the former Florida Gators star himself.

“I thought my guy Billy [Donovan] was a college coach lifer and it makes me sick even thinking about you possibly leaving for the league, but is that a dream of yours?” Parsons asked. “You’re so young, dude. Obviously, you just locked up the contract extension. Like is that on your wish list to coach in the league one day or are you just kind of living in the moment, happy in the college ranks?”

Golden responded thoughtfully.

“We’re living in the moment for sure,” he said. “You know, it’s funny how quickly things could change. Like two or three years ago, I would have never really thought about the potential of coaching in the NBA. I would say it’s something that I’ve thought about, and I’d be incredibly honored if I was ever given the opportunity. But, obviously, you saw I got locked in here at Florida, and I feel like we have a great thing going on here. We’re trying to run it back and see if we can continue and sustain the success we’ve had. Definitely something I would be interested in down the road.”

Todd Golden has made 2 NCAA Tourney trips in 3 seasons

Golden, who turns 40 in July, just wrapped up his third season at Florida with a stellar 36-4 record and the program’s third national championship. The previous two titles were won under Donovan. Golden now holds a 76–33 record with the Gators.

Per Zach Abolverdi of Gators Online, Golden’s new contract includes a significant increase in his buyout: $16 million in 2025–26, $11 million in 2026–27, and $4 million in 2027–28, before decreasing by $1 million annually in the final years of the deal. However, his NBA-specific buyout is significantly lower — just $3 million in 2025–26, $2 million over the following two years, $1 million in 2028–29, and nothing in the final two seasons.

Florida faces a significant roster overhaul heading into next season. The Gators are set to lose their top four backcourt players from the championship run: All-American point guard Walter Clayton, starters Alijah Martin and Will Richard, and backup guard Denzel Aberdeen.

The Gators have worked the transfer portal hard this offseason

To address those departures, Golden and his staff have been aggressive in the transfer portal. Florida has added two guards: Ohio’s AJ Brown and Princeton point guard Xaivian Lee. The Gators also landed two top-50 national recruits for the 2025 class — CJ Ingram and Alex Lloyd — both 4-star prospects who bring backcourt versatility.

Meanwhile, key frontcourt players are expected to return. Forward Thomas Haugh, a vital contributor off the bench last season, is back. The Gators are also hoping for the return of forward Alex Condon and center Rueben Chinyelu, both of whom are currently testing the NBA Draft waters. Florida continues to explore further additions via the transfer portal to round out the roster.

“It’s been an incredible run, man,” Golden told Parsons during the show. “I’m really happy. My family’s really happy in Gainesville right now. And as you know, it’s a great place to be.”