Men’s basketball | 03/22/2021 16:00:00
Athletics Director at the University of Minnesota Mark Coyle announced today that Ben Johnson has been appointed chief basketball coach for men at the University of Minnesota. The University and Johnson agreed to a five-year term, pending the completion of a background check and approval by the Board of Regents.
Johnson, who graduated in Minnesota in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, returns to his alma mater after spending three seasons at Xavier as an assistant coach. Johnson previously served as a technical assistant in Minnesota from 2013 to 18 and was twice a captain during his career as a player at the Gophers.
“Ben is a proven coach who is ready to lead his own program,” said Coyle. “He won this opportunity and is an excellent teacher, recruiter and relationship builder. I am thrilled that he is leading his alma mater and I am excited about the future of our men’s basketball program.”
“Athletics is an inviting” porch “for much of the great work we do here at the University. Few programs are more visible or closely monitored than Gopher men’s basketball,” said University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel. “Having someone like Ben Johnson lead this program – an ambassador for our university who grew up here, studied here and knows what the university is about – is incredible for our basketball program and our institution. Like so many Minnesota residents, I’m excited to welcome Ben home and look forward to the success of our team under his leadership. ”
Johnson helped lead Xavier to the top 30 consecutive recruiting classes in 2019 and 2020 and the Musketeers posted a collective record of 51-37 in three seasons with him on the bench.
“The University of Minnesota is such a special place and it has impacted me in immeasurable ways on and off the court,” said Johnson. “I want to thank President Joan Gabel, Mark Coyle, Julie Manning and everyone involved in the search process for believing and trusting me to lead this historic program. I am ready to work. “
In his previous stint in Minnesota, Johnson helped recruit local highlights and current members of the Los Angeles Clippers organization Daniel Oturu and Amir Coffey for Squirrels. He also recruited the current Gopher Gabe Kalscheur for Maroon and Gold. Johnson was instrumental in recruiting and developing Jordan Murphy, who finished his career at the top of the Gopher record book in rebounds (1,307), free throws made (460), free throw attempts (698) and the second in scoring (1,802 points).
Before returning to Minnesota in 2013, he spent a season as an assistant coach for Tim Miles at the University of Nebraska. While with the Huskers, Johnson helped with daily basketball-related tasks while serving as a recruiting coordinator. Johnson also led the development of Nebraska’s defense players.
Johnson spent 2008-12 as an assistant coach in northern Iowa. The Panthers had a total of 93-77 in that period, winning at least 20 games in all four years. Northern Iowa reached the postseason in all four years and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2009-10. That year, UNI won a school record of 30 games and defeated Kansas in the second round. During their tenure at UNI, the Panthers boasted three All-MVC selections from the first team, including the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference MVP Adam Koch in 2010 Four players were nominated for the MVC All-Freshmen or All-Newcomer teams, including a pair in 2011-12.
Prior to his stay in Northern Iowa, Johnson served as a technical assistant for two seasons at the University of Texas-Pan American. He was heavily involved in recruiting, worked with the Broncos’ perimeter players, and coordinated the UTPA summer camps.
Johnson’s technical career began at the University of Dayton, where he served as a graduate assistant during the 2005-06 season.
Johnson began his career as a college player at Northwestern and played two seasons before returning to the Twin Cities to end his career. He finished with 533 points in 59 games at Maroon and Gold and scored a total of 1,202 career points between the two Big Ten Conference institutions.
The Minneapolis native had an outstanding preparatory career, taking DeLaSalle High School to two state championships. He was twice a member of the state team in football and basketball and, as a veteran, was named Street & Smith All-American, in addition to receiving an honorable mention from Nike All-American.
He was listed as the 60th best basketball player in the country by Bob Gibbons in his senior season, totaling more than 2,200 points during his high school career. Johnson was also listed on Tom Lemming’s All-American football list as one of the top 20 national recruits and twice performed in every state on the football field.
Experience
2021-present: head coach, Minnesota
21/2018: Assistant Coach, Xavier
2013-18: Assistant Coach, University of Minnesota
2012-13: Assistant Coach, University of Nebraska
2008-12: Assistant Coach, Northern Iowa
2006-08: Assistant Coach, Texas-Pan American
2005-06: Graduate Assistant, University of Dayton