ESPN REPORT: Todd Golden Florida Gators Basketball Head Coach Stuns College Basketball World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $7.5 Million OCC Offer from Georgia, Notre Dame to Remain with the Florida Gators; ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being the Gators Head Coach… Full Details
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden has reportedly turned down a massive $7.5 million offer from an elite OCC (Open Coaching Consortium) package jointly proposed by both Georgia and Notre Dame. According to ESPN insiders, Golden was being heavily courted by the two programs in a rare joint recruitment attempt, with the OCC package including multi-year incentives, elite staff hires, and full control over recruiting operations. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, the 39-year-old coach has chosen loyalty over the lucrative deal and confirmed his commitment to the University of Florida.
Golden, who took over the Florida Gators in 2022, has quickly become one of the most respected young coaches in the game. Known for his modern analytics-driven approach and ability to develop under-recruited talent, Golden has rejuvenated the Gators program, leading them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and a Top 10 recruiting class in 2025.
“I have no plans beyond being the Gators head coach,” Golden told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello on Thursday night. “This is home for me. We’re building something special in Gainesville, and I’m not finished here. The support from the administration, the fans, and my players means everything.”
Sources close to the situation say Georgia was willing to offer Golden a record-setting deal to lead their rebuilding program, while Notre Dame saw him as the perfect cultural fit to restore its historic basketball identity. Yet, Golden’s deep ties with the Gators and vision for the program ultimately outweighed the financial incentives.
Florida’s athletic director Scott Stricklin praised Golden’s loyalty in a statement released early Friday morning. “Todd is not only a brilliant basketball mind, but a true leader of young men. We’re beyond thrilled that he’s reaffirmed his commitment to our university.”
With Golden staying put, Florida remains a legitimate contender heading into the 2025–26 season, boasting a deep roster and one of the nation’s top incoming recruiting classes. His decision also sends a strong message to the rest of the college basketball world — that passion and purpose still matter more than paychecks.
In a sport increasingly dominated by high-dollar deals and coaching carousel chaos, Todd Golden’s decision to remain in Gainesville might be the boldest play of all.
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