In a humorous and relatable turn of events, Florida Gators head coach Todd Golden’s homecoming celebration hit a snag when his favorite San Francisco eatery, Original Joe’s, rejected his request to accommodate the team for dinner. Golden’s attempt to secure a table for the sizable group, which includes 17 players, six coaches, and over a dozen staff members, was met with a polite but firm decline.
Golden’s lighthearted response to the rejection, “They’re too busy. I tried. They don’t have enough room for the team,” underscores the challenges of coordinating team logistics, especially in a bustling city like San Francisco. The 39-year-old coach remains undeterred, however, and is exploring alternative dining options, including the possibility of takeout from the popular Italian-American restaurant.
As the top-seeded Gators prepare to face off against fourth-seeded Maryland in the Sweet 16 at the Chase Center, Golden is eager to put the dinner mishap behind him and focus on the task at hand. This game marks a homecoming of sorts for Golden, who has strong ties to the Bay Area, having played at Saint Mary’s College and coached at the University of San Francisco.
Golden’s return to Northern California is a poignant reminder of his journey as a coach and player. As he leads the Gators in their pursuit of the program’s first Final Four appearance in over a decade, Golden is drawing inspiration from his past experiences and the familiarity of the Bay Area.
The stage is set for an exciting matchup between the Gators and the Terrapins, with Golden’s homecoming adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest. As the Gators strive to overcome the obstacles in their path and achieve their goals, they will undoubtedly draw strength from their collective bond and determination.
