Todd Golden buyout, contract details as Florida Gators coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Todd Golden became one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball last offseason. The six-year, $40.5 million deal came off a National Championship season, where he led the Gators to a 36-4 record. The program's first title since 2007, which moved Golden into fourth among coaches salaries at $6.75 million per year, based on USA TODAY Sports data.
Florida started the 2025-26 season looking to repeat at the end of March Madness, but hit a second-round snag against Iowa in the 73-72 loss. Now Golden's name has been linked to several high-profile job openings. The Gators are 103-41 over the past four seasons under the big-time coach.
There's also another wrinkle in Golden's situation. With Steve Kerr likely out as coach of the Golden State Warriors, the Gators might be looking for a replacement. Golden has been linked to the NBA, but what does it mean? If Golden does decide to jump from Gainesville, here's the details of his contract, including a formal buyout agreement that has an NBA clause.
The $40.5 million is spread over 6 years with a $6.75M average and runs through March 31, 2031, according to the Gainesville Sun. Golden received a $500K signing with a matching annual longevity incentive. He also has access to a $60k expense account.
Where Golden is at right now puts him as the second highest-paid coach in the SEC. Only Arkansas' John Calipari is ahead of him at $8 million per year.
If Golden went to another college program, Florida would be owed $16 million before April 15, 2026. That sum decreases annually.
If Golden Leaves (College Job):Before April 15, 2026: $16 million.Before March 31, 2027: $11 million.Before March 31, 2028: $4 million.Before March 31, 2029: $3 million.
Golden had also been linked to the NBA. If he made the jump into the pro game, it's still significant.
If Golden Leaves (NBA Job):Before April 15, 2026: $3 million.Before March 31, 2028: $2 million.Before March 31, 2029: $1 million.
If Golden is fired without cause, he would be owed 85% of the remaining contract value. That's roughly $30.3 million as of April 1, 2026.
Here was Florida athletic director Scott Strickln's statement when Golden inked his new deal.
"Todd has done an incredible job getting Florida men's basketball back where it belongs," Stricklin said. "We believed in his vision, his competitive nature and his modern approach to the game back in 2022, and he has validated that belief in a relatively short time and helped create memories of a lifetime for another generation of Gator fans."
Golden said he was looking forward to "Our future here at UF and to the continued success of our men's basketball program."
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