Sources: Gophers interview Northern Iowa coach

A week after firing Richard Pitino, the search for the next University of Minnesota Gophers men’s basketball coach is ramping up.

Sources tell KSTP Sports that Northern Iowa head coach Ben Jacobson interviewed for the Gophers job this past weekend.

No. Iowa hoops coach Ben Jacobson interviewed for the #Gophers job over the weekend, sources tell KSTP Sports. We hear at least 1 other in-person interview has already occurred, w/ at least 1 more on the horizon today. Utah St coach Craig Smith is expected to interview in-person.

— KSTPSports (@KSTPSports) March 22, 2021

As Northern Iowa men’s basketball’s all-time wins leader, Jacobson has a 291-174 record over 14 seasons and has led the Panthers to four NCAA Tournament appearances.

At least one other in-person interview was already conducted, sources said, with at least one more on the horizon.

Utah State head coach Craig Smith is also expected to get an in-person interview. His team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on Friday.