Florida Gators assistant named Columbia University men's basketball head coach
Florida Gators assistant named Columbia University men's basketball head coach
𝑾𝑬𝑳𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲
Join us in welcoming back former assistant @CoachKevinHovde as the new head coach of @CULionsMBB!#RoarLionRoar 🦁 // #OnlyHere 🗽 pic.twitter.com/4eSluyeBbC — Columbia Athletics (@GoColumbiaLions) March 24, 2025
As the Florida Gators prepare for the Sweet 16, one of their top basketball assistants is on the move.
On Monday, Columbia University announced that Kevin Hovde is set to become their next head coach, stepping into a new leadership role after the Gators' NCAA Tournament run concludes. It'll mark a return to familiar territory because Hovde previously spent several seasons on Columbia's staff from 2011-2016.
"I am honored to be named head coach of Columbia men's basketball," Hovde said in a statement via Columbia. "Columbia is truly a special place for my family and me, and we are thrilled to be back."
During his time in Gainesville, Hovde played a major part in shaping Florida's high-powered offense, which ranked among the best in the country this season. He's been instrumental in the Gators' success, contributing to a style of play that emphasizes tempo, spacing and efficiency.
Hovde's rise through the coaching ranks has followed a steady climb. He's worked alongside Florida head coach Todd Golden at multiple programs — most notably at San Francisco — before both made the jump to the SEC. That familiarity has translated into strong chemistry on the sidelines and consistent growth on the court.
"Hov (Hovde) and I have worked together five out of six years I've been a head coach," Golden said at a recent press conference. "He's just an incredible basketball mind, but an even better person. Again, just incredibly mature, responsible. Always being ahead of the game with what he does. He deserves a lot of credit for how explosive our offense is."
Hovde is expected to remain with the Gators through their current tournament run before officially transitioning to his new role in the Ivy League. His focus, for now, stays on helping Florida continue its push toward a potential 2025 NCAA Championship.
Up next for the Gators
The No. 1 Florida Gators face off against the No. 4 Maryland Terrapins in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 27. That game will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California, with tipoff set for 7:39 p.m. ET. The game will be nationally broadcast on TBS.
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