Minnesota Fires Men’s Basketball Coach Ben Johnson After Four Struggling Seasons

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The University of Minnesota has fired head men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson after a disappointing four-year tenure that saw the program fall short of NCAA tournament aspirations. Johnson’s dismissal came early Thursday, following a late-night meeting with Athletic Director Mark Coyle after a season-ending loss to Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten tournament.

Johnson, who had two years remaining on his contract with a buyout clause of $2.92 million, leaves the Gophers with an overall record of 56-71, including 22-57 in conference play. His final season ended with a 15-17 record and marked the third time in four years that the team finished behind the top half of the Big Ten.

The announcement was made by Coyle, who stated, “The expectation for our program is to compete for championships, and unfortunately, we have not done that in the last four years.” Coyle emphasized the prestigious nature of the Gophers’ basketball job, citing its appeal within the Big Ten and the city of Minneapolis.

Johnson’s struggles included three seasons where the Gophers placed 13th or lower in the conference standings. Last season, Minnesota endured a disappointing campaign, finishing 12th in the Big Ten with a league mark of 7-13. Their season ended with a 72-64 loss to Northwestern in Indianapolis, escalating the urgency of a coaching change.

During his tenure, Johnson faced significant challenges, including a transitional roster that lacked depth and continuity. The team struggled particularly at home, finishing with only a 10-9 record at Williams Arena.

“These decisions are difficult and are made after careful consideration and evaluation,” Coyle noted. “Ben is a terrific person, and we wish him well.” Johnson began his coaching career with Minnesota as an assistant before returning as head coach, aiming to rebuild the program.

Despite notable victories, including a win against ranked opponents, the Gophers’ inconsistency undermined their ability to secure a tournament berth. Johnson’s best season came when the Gophers achieved a 19-15 record and advanced to the NIT in 2023-24, but that success did not maintain momentum into subsequent years.

The impending search for a new head coach will likely focus on candidates capable of revitalizing the program’s fortunes and restoring its competitive standing. Potential successors mentioned by insiders include Colorado State’s Niko Medved and former Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders.

Looking ahead, Coyle expressed optimism about the future of Gophers basketball, emphasizing the program’s resources and commitment to excellence. “We provide a world-class experience for our student-athletes… we will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next men’s basketball coach,” he said.