Minnesota basketball fires coach Ben Johnson after poor season

The Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball team has fired head coach Ben Johnson after a disappointing season. The team finished with a 15-17 record and lost in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. This decision came shortly after the team returned from Indianapolis, where they lost five out of their last six games. Athletic Director Mark Coyle made the announcement early Thursday morning. Johnson's overall record with the Gophers was 56-71, including a poor 22-57 in conference games. Coyle, who is involved with the NCAA Tournament selection committee, expects the next coach to guide the team to regular tournament appearances. The coaching change has prompted several players to enter the college basketball transfer portal. So far, three players have made the move. The new coach will need to work quickly to rebuild the team’s roster for the next season. Gopher Illustrated, a site specializing in coverage of Minnesota sports, has shared a list of potential candidates to succeed Johnson. One prominent name discussed is Drew Valentine, the head coach of Loyola Chicago. At just 33 years old, Valentine has seen success in his coaching career and could be a good fit for the Gophers. There are more coaching candidates, including some surprising names. Gopher Illustrated provides thorough updates and insights from experts connected to the program. They are currently offering a discount for new members who want to stay informed about the coaching search.