University of Minnesota Looking for a New Men’s Basketball Coach

University of Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle released a statement this morning indicating the school is making a change in the men's basketball program.  Ben Johnson has been relieved of his duties as head coach.  Coyle says:

"I met with Ben in-person early this morning when the team returned to Minneapolis from the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament and informed him that we were making a change in leadership. I thanked him for his dedication and for guiding the program, one he cares deeply about, for the last four years. Ben is a terrific person, and we wish him well.

"These decisions are difficult and are made after careful consideration and evaluation. The expectation for our program is to compete for championships, and unfortunately, we have not done that in the last four years.

"This is an extremely desirable job in one of the best conferences and cities in the nation, and we fully expect to compete at the highest level on and off the court. We provide a world-class experience for our student-athletes, have one of the best practice facilities in the nation and play games in a historic venue. We offer everything that is needed to be successful, and we will immediately begin a nationwide search for our next men's basketball coach."

The Gopher men's basketball lost 72-64 to Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis to finish the season with a 15-17 record.  In 4 years with the Gophers, Ben Johnson compiled a record 56-71.