Florida hires San Francisco's Todd Golden as new coach

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 17: Head coach Todd Golden of the San Francisco Dons looks on during the second half against the Murray State Racers in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Florida hired San Francisco's Todd Golden as its new head coach, athletic director Scott Stricklin announced Friday.

The Gators signed Golden to a six-year deal, sources told CBS Sports' Matt Norlander.

"I'm energized by the opportunity to lead an elite program at Florida, and I'm ready to get started," Golden said in a statement. "Florida has a championship-level athletic department, university and men's basketball program, and I embrace the standard of excellence at Florida and the passion of Gator Nation. We couldn't be more excited about what the future holds in Gainesville.

Former Gators bench boss Mike White was signed away for Georgia's coaching vacancy Sunday.

The hire comes just one day after the Dons dropped a tight 92-87 overtime contest to Murray State in March Madness. It was the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998.

Golden went 57-36 in his three seasons at San Francisco, his first head-coaching gig. He was previously an assistant with the school and also had stops at Auburn and Columbia.

The 36-year-old played college basketball at Saint Mary's from 2004-07 before playing internationally for a few years.

Golden is known for his analytical approach to the game, learning under current Washington State head coach Kyle Smith.

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