Jonathan Safir

Jonathan Safir was promoted to assistant coach in 2025 after serving three seasons as Florida’s director of basketball strategy and analytics. He played a pivotal role in constructing the Gators’ 2025 national championship roster, which powered Florida to a 36-4 record, SEC Tournament title, and the program’s first NCAA crown in 18 years. During his tenure in Gainesville, Safir has been at the forefront of game strategy, analytics, and roster development, contributing to back-to-back record-setting offensive seasons and the emergence of multiple All-SEC and All-American players. His expertise in advanced scouting and data-driven decision-making has been a cornerstone of Florida’s resurgence under head coach Todd Golden. Before arriving at Florida, Safir built a strong coaching foundation with experiences at San Francisco, Columbia, and Vassar College. He served as an assistant coach at USF in 2021–22, helping the Dons reach their first NCAA Tournament since 1998, and co-authored an analytics study with Ken Pomeroy on late-game strategy. Safir also spent several years at Columbia University as director of basketball operations and began his career as a graduate manager. A former four-year letter winner at Vassar College, he helped guide the program to its first conference tournament appearance. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Safir holds degrees from Vassar and Columbia and is married to Ali Tradonsky. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ryan, in June 2025.