The University of Florida has closed its investigation into Gators men’s basketball coach Todd Golden after finding “no evidence” that he violated Title IX, the school said Monday.
The four-month investigation followed a complaint filed against Golden on Sept. 27 that included allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking from multiple women, including students.
“The University of Florida takes these matters seriously and works deliberately to ensure that due process is upheld for everyone,” university spokesperson Steve Orlando said in a statement. “After a thorough investigation that included dozens of interviews over the past months, the University of Florida has found no evidence that Todd Golden violated IX. The Title IX office has closed its investigation.”
A spokesperson for the University Athletic Association, which oversees Florida athletics, also confirmed to ESPN that the review has been completed.
“We take these matters seriously and understand the need for the process to be conducted with strict confidentiality and discretion,” the UAA said in a statement. “Throughout this process, Coach Golden has demonstrated tremendous focus and professionalism, and we commend him for that. As the Gators move forward, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting a championship experience with integrity.”
ESPN on Monday obtained a copy of a letter that the university sent to a female complainant. According to the letter, the Title IX coordinator determined there was no evidence to indicate that sexual harassment “occurred within a university program or activity,” and that is why the school had to dismiss the complaint. The letter noted that the complaint was initiated after the university received an anonymous report that “named multiple potentially impacted persons.”
Attorney Karen Truszkowski, who represents a 21-year-old college student who did not attend the University of Florida, said that although the reported behavior might not fall under the definition of Title IX, there was “certainly evidence that there was questionable activity that occurred” while Golden was participating in a university event.
The Title IX complaint included allegations that Golden sent photos and videos of his genitalia, made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram and requested sexual favors. The school has declined requests to release records of the complaint.
Golden acknowledged the school inquiry one day after it became public in early November, saying he was participating in the investigation and was considering defamation claims.
“The last several months have been a challenge for my family and me while this process dragged on,” Golden said in a statement posted to X on Monday. “We asked for the public to allow the process to work through to its conclusion and not rush to judgment based on allegations. The UAA and so many at the university have been tremendously supportive — my family and I are extremely grateful.”
Golden’s attorney William Shepherd said Monday that the result of the investigation showed the Title IX complaint was “meritless.”
“Coach Golden and I have respected the process throughout while actively engaging with the university. However, there were many who did not respect the investigative process,” Shepherd’s statement read. “Instead, they sought to target Coach Golden and drive their agenda and this investigation for their own self-interest. Some leaked confidential material to the media; falsely posed as a UF lawyer in an effort to intimidate; harassed UF students and parents to try to generate a false narrative; and harassed my client, his family, and his friends.
“Coach Golden appreciates the support he and his program have received from so many at the University and from around the country. Now that this is concluded, Coach can continue to focus on the basketball season and consider his legal options in the offseason — but now it’s time to move forward.”
A separate Title IX inquiry involving Florida assistant coach Taurean Green that includes sexual assault allegations is ongoing. An athletic department employee alleged that Green, a former Florida player who joined the basketball staff in 2022 following a professional basketball career, kissed her and tried to put his hand down her pants in March 2024, according to a complaint reviewed by ESPN earlier this month.
Golden, 39, is in his third season as the head men’s basketball coach at Florida. The Gators (18-2, 5-2 SEC) are ranked No. 5 in the AP poll, off to their best start since reaching the Final Four in 2014.
Golden signed a two-year contract extension last March that brought his annual salary to $4 million and keeps him under contract through the 2029-30 season.
Prior to being hired in 2022, Golden was the head coach at San Francisco for three seasons, leading the Dons to the NCAA tournament weeks before his departure.
ESPN’s Paula Lavigne and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
