Dave Klatsky led NYU to the Division III national championship game this season.
Klatsky Joins, Safir Steps Up—Florida’s Bench Gets Even Stronger
The Florida men's basketball program is making key additions to its coaching staff, as announced by head coach Todd Golden on Tuesday. Jonathan Safir, who has served as UF’s director of basketball strategy and analytics since 2022, has been elevated to an assistant coach position. Joining him is Dave Klatsky, who comes to Gainesville after leading New York University’s program for the past three seasons.
Safir (pronounced like the gem, “sapphire”) played a pivotal role in Florida’s championship run, contributing to roster construction and shaping the team’s data-driven approach. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., he graduated from Vassar College in 2015.
“I am excited to announce the promotion of Jonathan Safir to the position of assistant coach,” Golden said. “Jonathan deserves a lot of credit for his work in many different areas of our program that ultimately led to our national championship victory a few weeks ago. He will continue helping me with the various roster management responsibilities he has had, and will take on a bigger role on-court moving forward. I am grateful to have him and Ali remain with us in Gainesville!”
Jonathan Safir cuts a piece of the net following the Gators' national championship victory. (Photo: Spencer Gnauck)
Florida men’s basketball is reshaping its coaching staff following a championship season, with head coach Todd Golden announcing two key moves on Tuesday. Jonathan Safir, who has served as UF’s director of basketball strategy and analytics since 2022, has been promoted to assistant coach. Joining the staff is Dave Klatsky, who arrives in Gainesville after guiding NYU to the Division III national title game and posting a 68–16 record over three seasons.
“I am excited to announce the promotion of Jonathan Safir to the position of assistant coach,” Golden said. “Jonathan deserves a lot of credit for his work in many different areas of our program that ultimately led to our national championship victory a few weeks ago… I am grateful to have him and Ali remain with us in Gainesville!”
Safir, a Buffalo native and 2015 Vassar graduate, played a central role in Florida’s roster construction and analytics strategy during its title run.
Klatsky, a 2001 graduate of Penn and native of Holmdel, N.J., brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached at Colgate (2011–22) and Stevens Institute of Technology (2007–11).
“I am thrilled to add Dave to our staff as an assistant coach here in Gainesville,” Golden said. “Dave is a high achiever and a proven winner… He has a great analytical sense for the game and is a great teacher on the floor. We are excited to welcome Dave, his wife Abby, and their three boys to the Swamp!”
Safir and Klatsky will step into roles previously held by Kevin Hovde and John Andrzejek, who accepted head coaching positions at Columbia and Campbell, respectively.
