Todd Golden was named head men's basketball coach at the University of San Francisco, Director of Athletics
Joan McDermott announced March 27, 2019.
Golden, 33, becomes the 20th head coach of the storied USF program, which has won two National Championships (1955 and '56), one National Invitational Championship (1949) and 16 conference championships.
"I am excited to announce the hiring of
Todd Golden as our new men's basketball coach," said McDermott. "He brings an energy and enthusiasm to the game that is contagious. His involvement the last three years was paramount in helping Kyle Smith move this program in the right direction. He's been the primary recruiter for the Dons while he's been with us on the Hilltop and promoting him was the logical choice to ensure a smooth transition. Kyle left a great legacy and now it is Todd's time to take our program to the next level."
Prior to being named the Dons' head coach, Golden spent the previous three seasons as the associate head coach under former head coach Kyle Smith. During that time, he served as the Dons' recruiting and defensive coordinator under Smith. Over the last three years, the Dons were routinely one of the nation's better defensive squads. According to the website Kenpom.com, USF turned in three of the best defensive seasons the program has ever seen dating back to 2001.
Prior to joining Smith's staff in 2016, Golden spent two seasons at the Auburn University under head coach Bruce Pearl. Golden joined the Auburn staff as the director of basketball operations for the 2014-15 season and was elevated to an assistant coaching position for the 2015-16 campaign. He worked closely with the Tigers' guards and handled all scheduling responsibilities. Golden also took a lead role in analytical and metrics data.
Golden spent the 2013-14 season as an assistant coach on Kyle Smith's staff at Columbia where he helped the Lions to a 21-13 mark and a spot in the CollegeInsiders.com Tournament. In his only season at Morningside Heights he worked closely with the Lions' defense that held opponents to a stingy 63.3 points per game, which ranked second-best in the Ivy League and 31
st nationally. He also served as director of basketball operations for the 2012-13 season.
Golden played collegiately at Saint Mary's College in Moraga where he helped the Gaels to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. As a senior point guard, he ranked second in the nation with a 3.68 assists-to-turnovers ratio and led the West Coast Conference with a .574 3-point field goal percentage. The lone captain of Saint Mary's 2007-08 team, Golden finished his career as the Gaels' all-time leader in free- throw percentage (.852) and eighth with 269 career assists.
After earning his degree in business administration, Golden played two years professionally for Maccabi Haifa in Israel's top division. In 2009, he was co-captain of the USA Open Team, coached by Bruce Pearl, that won gold at the Maccabiah Games.
Todd is married to the former Megan York, who was a four-year volleyball standout at Saint Mary's and the WCC's Co-Freshman of the Year in 2007.
What They Are Saying about Todd Golden:
"Todd is super talented, and a hard worker. His profile fits what will be successful in this league. He's played in this league, coached in this league, and coached at a high major level. If you look at the profiles of the guys who have succeeded in the WCC, the Mark Fews, Randy Bennetts, Dan Monsons, etc., Todd fits that profile. He was a player for five years at a very successful program and was a big reason for our run to the Sweet-16 at Saint Mary's. I have no doubt he will be a success as a head coach." –
Kyle Smith, head coach, Washington State
"I'm incredibly excited about the opportunity Todd has here at USF. I've known him for a number of years and have really enjoyed getting to know him. First and foremost, he's a tremendous person, but he also has an incredible basketball mind. As a first time head coach he's very prepared. Working under Kyle Smith, under Coach Pearl, playing the game professionally and as a collegiate player at Saint Mary's he brings an invaluable perspective to USF." -
Kirk Lacob, Assistant General Manager, Golden State Warriors
"Todd is one of the rising stars in our profession. I've known him personally since his playing days at Saint Mary's, and I have a lot of respect for him. He's intelligent, competitive, and understands winning at the highest level. He's a great hire for the University of San Francisco." -
Eric Musselman, head coach, Arkansas
"So happy and so proud of one of the great young minds in our game! Character, work ethic, experience beyond years! Great father, husband, son and coach! Well done USF Leadership!"
- Bruce Pearl, head coach, Auburn
