Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden has led an incredible turnaround in 2025, guiding the team to a 27-4 record, a No. 4 national ranking, and a second-place SEC finish. Given his success and the adversity he navigated, many expected him to be a lock for SEC Coach of the Year. However, when the award was announced, it wasn’t Golden but Auburn’s Bruce Pearl who claimed the honor.
Did the SEC Get It Wrong?
While Pearl is a respected coach and led Auburn to the regular-season SEC title, history suggests that the SEC Coach of the Year award typically goes to the coach who exceeded expectations the most. Last year, South Carolina’s Lamont Paris won it for surpassing preseason predictions, and in 2023, it was split between Texas A&M’s Buzz Williams and Vanderbilt’s Jerry Stackhouse for similar reasons.
Florida started the season ranked 21st in the AP Poll and was predicted to finish sixth in the SEC. Golden didn’t just beat those expectations—he crushed them. He also kept the team focused despite an investigation that could have been a major distraction. On top of that, Florida defeated Auburn on the road, proving they could go head-to-head with Pearl’s squad.
Golden’s Chance for Redemption
Despite the snub, Golden has an opportunity to make a statement in the SEC Tournament. Florida enters as the No. 2 seed, securing a double bye and awaiting their first matchup on Friday against LSU, Mississippi State, or Missouri. A deep run or a tournament championship would serve as the ultimate rebuttal to the voters’ decision.
While the SEC may have taken the easy route by awarding Pearl, Golden and the Gators are still in control of their destiny. If they can dominate in the SEC Tournament and make a strong NCAA run, Golden’s impact on Florida basketball will be undeniable—award or not.
