Florida Gators Win National Championship, Todd Golden Becomes Youngest Coach Champion

The Florida Gators, led by 39-year-old head coach Todd Golden, achieved a historic victory by winning the NCAA National Championship, defeating the Houston Cougars 65-63 at the Alamodome. This victory marks Florida's third national title and the first since 2007, making Golden the youngest coach to win the championship since Jim Valvano in 1983. Golden, in only his third year as head coach, credited his staff and players for the team's resilience and winning mentality, as they overcame a 12-point deficit in the second half. With this win, Golden joins the ranks of notable coaches like Billy Donovan, who previously led the Gators to two titles. His achievement is notable in a sport often dominated by older coaches, as he stands out as the only active coach under 50 with a national title. Golden's journey from not having won a game in the NCAA Tournament prior to this season to becoming a champion is a remarkable narrative in college basketball.