Florida’s Todd Golden could get ‘football coach’ salary offer from UNC

Florida head coach Todd Golden has the No. 1 seed Gators set to play No. 9 seed Iowa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

More News: North Carolina Closing in on Decision to Fire Hubert Davis

Golden’s Gators had a slow start to the season, opening the campaign 5-4 before going on an impressive winning streak in SEC play. Florida appears to be a legitimate contender to defend its 2025 national title.

Golden’s success with UF has drawn the attention of the basketball world as the coaching carousel starts to get exciting amid March Madness. He could receive a big-time offer from a college basketball powerhouse this spring.

More News: Major College Basketball Coach Expected to Replace UNC’s Hubert Davis

North Carolina has not yet parted ways with head coach Hubert Davis, but the situation is in flux and is expected to be resolved in a matter of days. Per multiple reports, UNC is expected to move on from Davis.

If North Carolina moves on from Davis, the program is expected to try and land a proven winner.

Matt Hayes of USA Today urged UNC to go after Golden this spring. Because Golden is doing just fine with Florida, the Tar Heels would have to make an almost outrageous offer to land the head coach.

Hayes thinks UNC would have to offer Golden a salary in the ballpark of what top coaches in college football make, $13 to $14 million per season.

“Take the rare step and pay Golden like a football coach — or better yet, more than a football coach. More than (Georgia’s) Kirby (Smart) and (Indiana’s Curt Cignetti) Cigs and (Texas’ Steve Sarkisian) Sark. 

“Offer $13-14 million a year over 10 years, and commit to $20 million annually in NIL funds (including private deals). Once the (Bill) Belichick experiment fades — and it will — North Carolina will again realize what’s important, what fuels the Carolina brand.”

Golden’s current salary stands at nearly $6.5 million per year. 

Even if he doesn’t leave UF for UNC, it’s possible a serious offer from the Tar Heels could make Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin sign Golden to an extension that would pay him more than the $7.45 million new Gators head football coach Jon Sumrall will make for 2026.

For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.