There is a new era of Florida Gators basketball being ushered in after Mike White left to take the Georgia Bulldogs job. Former Auburn assistant coach Todd Golden was officially announced as the new head coach of the Gators on Friday.
Current head coach Bruce Pearl was asked about Golden taking the job at Florida after three seasons at San Francisco University. The Dons lost their first-round matchup with Murray State and now Golden heads to Gainesville.
“I’d love to answer that,” Pearl said. “I don’t know if I should unless it’s been announced… I love Todd. I love him like a son.”
Golden spent the 2014-16 seasons on the Plains as an assistant serving under Pearl in his first two seasons with Auburn. In 2016 Golden left to take an assistant role with San Francisco and reunited with his former boss at Columbia, Kyle Smith. When Smith departed for the Washington State job, Golden was promoted to head coach.
Next season, Pearl will have to face off with his former Director of Basketball Operations and assistant coach Todd Golden. The Gators are currently preparing for their next matchup in the NIT, while the Tigers take on the Miami Hurricanes on Sunday in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
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