Florida's Todd Golden Unfazed by ESPN Snub for Coach of the Year

Gators head coach focused on leading team to SEC title and deep NCAA Tournament run

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:35pm

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Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden, despite leading his team to first place in the SEC with an 11-2 conference record, was not included on ESPN's top 12 midseason Coach of the Year Contenders list. However, Golden said the snub "doesn't really mean s***" as he is focused on guiding the Gators to an SEC regular season title and another deep postseason run.

Why it matters

Golden has quickly turned Florida into a national contender in his fourth season, leading the team to a 15-2 record since a tough non-conference slate. While he may not be receiving national recognition, Golden's focus remains on his team's goals rather than individual accolades.

The details

After a 5-4 start that included losses to several ranked opponents, Florida has won 15 of its last 17 games, including a six-game winning streak. Golden emphasized that the team's recent success has not led to complacency, as the Gators were humbled by a home loss to Auburn after getting caught up in the national hype.

  • Florida started the season 5-4 through its first 9 games.
  • The Gators have gone 15-2 since then, winning 6 straight games.
  • Florida currently sits in first place in the SEC with an 11-2 conference record.

The players

Todd Golden

The head coach of the Florida Gators men's basketball team, who has quickly turned the program into a national contender in his fourth season.

Rueben Chinyelu

Florida's starting center, who is considered a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

Thomas Haugh

A starting wing for the Gators, who was named to the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Late-Season Team.

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What they’re saying

“It doesn't really mean s***. You know, we just want to be in the best position possible. We want to try to win the league. We want to be the highest seed possible and go as deep in March as we can.”

— Todd Golden, Head Coach

“We had a lot of expectations this year. We were preseason top five. Most everybody had us there. And I think because we didn't win all of our games early, and we kind of slid back, people just didn't think we were having a successful season, and probably haven't watched us very closely over the last month or two, where we have been playing like a top-five team.”

— Todd Golden, Head Coach

“It can't affect how each individual guy approaches their day-to-day. Just because Tommy's on that list doesn't mean he gets to shoot more balls than he normally does or take selfish shots. It's just a reflection of the success of the team, and I try reminding our guys of that.”

— Todd Golden, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.