Hours. The school announced his hiring Wednesday night a couple of hours after Smith’s departure became official, with athletic director Joan McDermott making her first major hire since taking over earlier this month from Scott Sidwell. The captain of St. Mary’s 2007-08 team, Golden finished his career as the Gaels all-time leader in free throw percentage (.852) and eighth with 269 career assists. So it might be a while before he gets a technical considering he hasn't really come close to losing his cool so far, with the Dons (20-11) preparing for their West Coast Conference tournament opener Friday against either LMU or San Diego in Las Vegas. Golden just can't seem to do it — he is already developing a nice rapport with the officials, picking his battles. Todd Golden was promoted to head coach at San Francisco after working with the Dons for three seasons under Kyle Smith. She had seen and heard plenty of great things about his leadership and ability to run a program while facing the hurdles that come at a mid-major college.Sure, Golden gets razzed on occasion around campus as the sporty, fun — not to mention young — new guy in charge.McDermott saw in Golden a proven recruiter with a keen eye for talent who knew the game inside and out and also developed a close-knit culture through strong relationships with his players.“What I didn't know was how he would handle the pressure and be able to maintain his composure during a game,” McDermott said. He was born June 30, We’ve got to know where everybody is.”Golden still get out on the court and shoots with the players.Dan Mannix saw the coach in Todd Golden during what he called “a magical season” in 2002, when Golden was a fiery, long-range shooting point guard, leading Sunnyslope (Phoenix) to its first state championship.Golden said Pearl helped him grow as a coach during his time there.Sunnyslope went 29-1 in Golden’s last year. “He is a tremendous teacher and no doubt is prepared to lead our men’s basketball program to continued success.”College Basketball Coach Info and News“I am excited to announce the hiring of Todd Golden as our new men’s basketball coach,” AD Joan McDermott said. Todd… USF is in fifth place in the league, trailing Pacific and three probable NCAA Tournament teams Gonzaga, BYU and Saint Mary's.Golden starred at Saint Mary's in the East Bay suburbs under Randy Bennett and then-assistant Smith, reaching two NCAA Tournaments with the Gaels — and Smith, of course, was thrilled with McDermott's choice of his top assistant.Those who know him best also realize Golden has always been ready for this challenge, built for this job.Less than a month into her job as USF AD, McDermott named Golden head coach without even opening a national search. Season: League: Team: Player: Todd Golden Teammates.