Todd Golden’s Final Bonus After Florida’s National Championship Win Will Surprise You
Florida remained unfazed despite being down by 12 points in the second half against Houston in the national title game of the NCAA Tournament on Monday.
The Cougars looked like a team of destiny on their way to their first-ever crown. They were making the right plays on both ends, while Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. couldn’t get anything going. All signs pointed to Houston hoisting the trophy.
Florida coach Todd Golden, however, rallied his troops. With Clayton hitting timely shots and the Gators making defensive stops, they eked out the win, 65-63, for their first national crown since winning back-to-back in 2006 and 2007.
In the process, the 39-year-old Golden became the youngest coach to rule the NCAA Tournament since the late Jimmy Valvano did it with North Carolina State in 1983 as a 37-year-old tactician.
For his efforts, Golden netted a total bonus of $150,000, including the $50,000 incentive for winning it all, according to a report from Front Office Sports.
“(Golden got) $37,500 for the Gators making the NCAA Tournament,” said the report. “He got another $37,500 for the team’s Sweet 16 appearance.
“Golden got another $25,000 for leading Florida to the Final Four.”
His total bonus was significantly less than Houston coach Kelvin Sampson’s, who would’ve pocketed $1 million had they won, according to the same report.
It, however, also pointed out that Florida has a “much smaller bonus pool.”
“Golden is working with an incentive pool that totals $400,000 and includes academic incentives too,” said the report. “He also has a $500,000 retention bonus if he’s still Florida’s coach on April 15.
“Golden netted $25,000 for Florida’s SEC Tournament title.”
Golden has an annual salary of $4 million after signing a two-year extension last year.
