Regents approve 1-year extension for Gophers coach Johnson
New University of Minnesota men's head basketball coach Ben Johnson addresses the media after he was introduced Tuesday, March 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jim Mone/Associated Press)
University of Minnesota men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson has officially had his contract extended.
The U of M’s Board of Regents approved the proposed extension, which 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported last week. Johnson’s contract now runs through April 2027.
“I’m very blessed to be the head coach at the University of Minnesota and look forward to leading this program for years to come,” Johnson said in a statement. “I want to thank Athletics Director Mark Coyle and President Joan Gabel for their unbelievable support as we continue to build a brand of Golden Gopher Basketball that this university and state will be proud of.”
“Ben has done a tremendous job guiding our men’s basketball program,” Coyle added. “His team plays with a tenacity and grit that should make every Gopher fan proud, and they are excelling in the classroom and the community as well. Ben is recruiting the state of Minnesota at a high level and has restored some of that magic to Williams Arena. I look forward to Ben leading our program for years to come.”
Minnesota went 13-17 last season, including 4-16 in conference play, in Johnson’s first season as Gophers head coach last year.