- Posted 56-71 overall record across four seasons
- Went 22-57 in Big Ten conference matchups
- $2.92 million buyout for lowest-paid coach in league
- Transfers and NIL rules disrupted roster continuity
- 19-15 rebound season still missed NCAA Tournament
The University of Minnesota dismissed men's basketball coach Ben Johnson late Thursday night following another season without March Madness contention. Despite modest improvements in 2023-24 – including a 9-11 Big Ten record and NIT appearance – athletic director Mark Coyle emphasized championship expectations remain unmet. Johnson's tenure was marred by roster instability, with 13 of 15 players departing after his first year amid relaxed NCAA transfer rules.
Coyle, a veteran administrator from Kentucky and Syracuse, stressed Minnesota's institutional advantages during the coaching search, citing the 97-year-old Williams Arena and athlete development resources. However, the program faces mounting challenges in the expanded 18-team Big Ten, where newcomer Washington finished below Minnesota's conference win percentage. Local recruiting battles also intensified with St. Thomas University's recent Division I ascension, creating in-state competition for prospects like transferred forward Pharrel Payne.
NIL collectives further complicated Johnson's rebuild efforts. While retaining star forward Dawson Garcia, Minnesota lost six rotation players to wealthier programs last offseason. 'Mid-tier Power Five schools now face existential threats in roster management,' said Big Ten analyst Mara Liasson. 'Minnesota's $1.2 million NIL pool ranks 14th in the conference – barely half of Michigan State's $2.3 million.'
Attendance declines (12% since 2020) and the Timberwolves' NBA playoff run exacerbated financial pressures. Athletic department insiders confirm the next coach must prioritize fundraising for NIL initiatives while leveraging Minnesota's sole Big Ten membership – a structural advantage over non-Power Five St. Thomas.
