Florida coach Todd Golden shuts down Warriors speculation

There may be smoke, but Todd Golden isn’t buying into it.

The Florida head coach addressed recent speculation linking him to the Warriors and made his stance clear.

“(I’m) definitely planning on coaching the Gators,” Golden told reporters Wednesday.

The chatter started earlier this week, when Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports said on his podcast that Golden could emerge as a candidate in Golden State if Steve Kerr ever steps down. O’Connor noted Golden has an existing relationship with the Lacob family, which owns the team.

So for now, Golden is staying put. But there’s also a layer here that ties Florida to the Warriors in a different way.

According to Mark Long of Associated Press, forward Thomas Haugh opted to return to the Gators for his senior season after a conversation with Draymond Green. The discussion was set up by Warriors rookie Will Richard, who previously played at Florida.

Golden said the message resonated.

“I think Draymond gave him great perspective on what life in the NBA is like and what life in college is like and how enjoyable it is,” Golden said. “And it allowed him to be like, ‘All right, the NBA, not sounding arrogant, but it will be there for him.’ It’s going to be there. And he only has one more opportunity to be at Florida.”

Haugh had been viewed as a potential lottery pick had he entered the 2026 draft. Instead, he’ll run it back in Gainesville.

As for Golden, the NBA may come calling at some point. Just not now.