Minnesota Fires Coach Ben Johnson After Big Ten Exit

The University of Minnesota has fired head coach Ben Johnson after a disappointing four-year tenure that concluded with a 15-17 season and a first-round exit from the Big Ten Tournament. Athletic director Mark Coyle announced the decision early Thursday, noting that expectations for the program have not been met, as Johnson's teams failed to qualify for the NCAA Tournament during his time. Johnson, who had a 56-71 overall record with the Gophers, faced significant challenges, including limited NIL resources and roster turnover. Coyle emphasized that the program needs to compete for championships and will begin a nationwide search for Johnson's successor immediately. The decision was made after a late-night meeting following the team's loss to Northwestern, reflecting the urgency for change within the program. Minnesota has not made an NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019, and Coyle aims to restore the team's relevance in collegiate basketball.