**Golden’s Bay Homecoming: Florida Coach Returns to Roots for Sweet 16 Showdown**
*RALEIGH, N.C.* — When the NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed, Florida head coach Todd Golden immediately recognized the potential for a meaningful homecoming. Now, with the top-seeded Gators (32-4) advancing to the Sweet 16 in San Francisco after a thrilling 77-75 win over UConn, that storybook return is becoming reality.
For Golden, Thursday’s matchup against No. 4 Maryland isn’t just another tournament game—it’s a full-circle moment. The 38-year-old coach spent his formative basketball years in the Bay Area, first as a player at Saint Mary’s (2004-08), then as an assistant and later head coach at the University of San Francisco (2016-22).
**”It’s the icing on the cake,”** Golden said. **”Getting to reconnect with friends, family, and even some new Gator fans out West will be special.”**
### **A Coaching Journey Forged in the Bay**
Golden’s basketball identity was shaped by his time in Northern California. He played under Randy Bennett at Saint Mary’s and cut his teeth as an assistant under Kyle Smith at USF before taking over as head coach in 2019. In three seasons leading the Dons, he went 57-36 and guided them to the 2022 NCAA Tournament—a résumé that helped land him the Florida job.
**”Those experiences made me who I am,”** Golden said. **”Playing for Randy, working with Kyle—those relationships were instrumental in my growth.”**
### **A Nostalgic Tour of San Francisco**
With the Gators practicing in the city ahead of their Chase Center showdown, Golden hopes to give his team a taste of his coaching origins. He’s aiming to secure time at USF’s War Memorial Gym—where he once roamed the sidelines—though the Dons’ ongoing NIT run could complicate scheduling.
**”It’d be great to practice there, maybe catch USF’s NIT game if they advance,”** he said.
Off the court, Golden plans to treat his squad to a meal at Original Joe’s, his go-to San Francisco Italian spot. **”The Dugan family took care of us when we lived here,”** he said. **”It’ll be fun to share that with the team.”**
But perhaps the most poignant moment will come when Florida steps into the 3,000-seat War Memorial Gym—a stark contrast to the gleaming Chase Center. Golden wants his players to appreciate their high-major privileges while remembering the humble beginnings of many in the sport, including his own.
**”This group doesn’t take anything for granted,”** he said. **”But when they see War Memorial, they’ll really understand how good they have it at the O’Dome.”**
As the Gators prepare for their first Sweet 16 since 2017, Golden’s homecoming adds an extra layer of motivation—both for a coach reflecting on his journey and a team chasing history.
**#GoGators | #MarchMadness**
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