Minneapolis native Ben Johnson named Gophers men's basketball coach

Mar 23, 20210

AP count

Ben Johnson has served as a Xavier assistant for the past three seasons after previously serving as a Gophers assistant.

When Ben Johnson left the Gophers three years ago to pursue his assistant coaching career elsewhere, it was tough for him to leave his hometown and alma mater.

Johnson is now on his way back home. He was named the next Gophers men's basketball coach, athletics director Mark Coyle announced Monday.

"The University of Minnesota is such a special place and has impacted me in immeasurable ways on and off the court," Johnson said in a statement. "I want to thank President Joan Gabel, Mark Coyle, Julie Manning and everyone involved in the search process for believing in me and trusting me to lead this historic program. I am ready to get to work."

https://www.startribune.com/ben-johnson-gophers-basketball-coach/600037288/