Minnesota has hired Xavier Ben Johnson’s assistant as the new men’s basketball coach, the school announced Monday.
Johnson replaces Richard Pitino, who was released last week after eight seasons with the Golden Gophers.
Johnson is a native of Minneapolis and graduated from Minnesota in 2005. He played two seasons for the Golden Gophers, averaging about nine points per game, after spending two seasons in the Northwest.
He also spent five seasons as an assistant coach in Minnesota with Pitino, establishing himself as a high-level recruiter in the state. Johnson landed former ESPN 100 recruit and future pro Amir Coffey, among others.
“The University of Minnesota is such a special place and it has impacted me immeasurably on and off the field,” Johnson said in a statement. “I want to thank President Joan Gabel, [athletic director] Mark Coyle, [deputy AD] Julie Manning and everyone involved in the search process to believe in me and trust me to lead this historic program. I’m ready to start working. “
For the school, Johnson will receive a five-year contract pending approval by the board of regents.
Johnson has been Travis Steele’s assistant to Xavier for the past three seasons. He has also spent time as an assistant coach in Nebraska and northern Iowa.
Minnesota has had trouble in recent years to prevent the best prospects from leaving the state for college, and the Gophers’ hope is that Johnson’s relationship with high school and AAU coaches in the area can help. to keep these players at home. The weekend met with Coyle and he agreed to a deal on Monday.
“Ben is a proven coach who is ready to run his own program,” Coyle said in the statement. “He’s won this opportunity and he’s a fantastic teacher, recruiter and relationship builder. I’m thrilled to lead his alma mater and I’m excited about the future of our men’s basketball program.”