Jeff Mailhot named new Gophers men’s basketball assistant coach

KSTP

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball program on Monday announced the addition of Jeff Mailhot as an assistant coach.

"Jeff is a perfect fit for our program," head coach Richard Pitino said. "He has advanced through all levels of basketball and has a proven reputation as a recruiter and hard worker. In addition to his coaching experience, he is a Minnesota native and has a great understanding of Gopher basketball. We are excited to add Jeff to our staff."

Mailhot has over a decade of college coaching experience, most recently serving in the same role at Iona College last season. A native of Minneapolis and a graduate of Hopkins High School, Mailhot also was on the staff at New Mexico State from 2017-2019 and spent several years in junior college coaching in Texas.

Prior to entering the college ranks, Mailhot spent time in the Minnesota high school coaching ranks. He helped lead his alma mater Hopkins to the 2009 high school state title with an undefeated record of 29-0 and finished the season ranked No. 10 by USA Today. Between his two stints with the Royals, Mailhot was at Robbinsdale Cooper High School for the 2007-08 campaign where he coached former Gopher standout Rodney Williams.

Mailhot fills the vacancy left by Rob Jeter, who was named head coach at Western Illinois University in March.