Minneapolis, Minnesota – After the sudden firing of Ben Johnson on March 13, Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle quickly turned to one top candidate to fill the men’s basketball coaching position: Niko Medved. The move was confirmed by CBS Sports and later announced by the university on Monday.
Medved, a Minneapolis native and Golden Gophers alumnus, has built a solid coaching reputation during his time at Colorado State. With a track record of success, including leading the Rams to the NCAA Tournament three times and earning 143 wins, Medved’s hiring brings a sense of optimism to the Minnesota program.
Known for his ability to develop players, Medved has a proven history of transforming programs. From his time at Furman to Drake, where he turned teams around within a few years, his coaching acumen has been widely recognized. His dedication to his alma mater and passion for coaching was highlighted by Coyle in the hiring announcement.
Reflecting on his new role, Medved expressed his excitement about returning to his roots at Minnesota, where he not only attended school but also worked as a coach. The connection to the program and the potential for growth were key factors in his decision to take on the head coaching position.
With Medved’s exit from Colorado State, attention now shifts to the search for his replacement. Associate head coach Ali Farokhmanesh is considered a strong contender for the job in Fort Collins. As the Golden Gophers prepare to usher in a new era under Medved’s leadership, expectations are high for the program’s future success in the competitive Big Ten conference.