University of Minnesota Expected to Hire Niko Medved as New Men's Basketball Coach

Following the dismissal of head coach Ben Johnson, the University of Minnesota is actively searching for a new men’s basketball coach. Athletic Director Mark Coyle emphasized the need for a candidate who can elevate the program back to NCAA tournament competitiveness, which has been lacking for several seasons. The university has reportedly settled on Niko Medved, currently at Colorado State, as the likely successor. Coyle noted the urgency of the search due to the open transfer portal and the increasing importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding in attracting talent. With only three NCAA appearances in the last 15 years, Coyle expressed optimism that the right hire could turn the program around. The Gophers' current NIL funding ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten, indicating a need for increased financial support to compete effectively.