Ben Johnson’s tenure as Minnesota’s head coach was a tough uphill battle from the start. A Minnesota native and former Gophers player, Johnson took on the role at a difficult time and struggled to gain traction. His departure came abruptly—announced in the early hours of Friday morning, shortly after the team’s return from a Big Ten tournament loss to Northwestern.
Despite his sharp basketball mind, Johnson couldn’t turn things around, and now, athletic director Mark Coyle faces a crucial decision. The next coach must be more than just a tactician or recruiter. Minnesota needs a figurehead—a true program leader capable of inspiring fans, donors, and top recruits.
A prime example is Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, whose presence overshadows even his team’s top scorers. That’s the kind of impact Minnesota must find in its next hire. However, financial constraints make this a daunting task for Coyle, who must uncover the next coaching star and convince him that Minnesota is a place where he can win.
With significant NIL money in play, Minnesota’s next leader will have resources, but the program is teetering on irrelevance. If the Gophers want to return to NCAA tournament contention, they must break the cycle of mediocrity. The right coach can change everything, but this hire is make-or-break for the program’s future.
