CBS NEWS: The University of Minnesota Appoints Niko Medved as Head Coach of Golden Gophers Men’s Basketball Team
The University of Minnesota has officially named Niko Medved as the new head coach of the Golden Gophers men’s basketball team. Medved, who spent the last several seasons as the head coach at Colorado State, takes over the program with a strong reputation for rebuilding teams and developing talent. His appointment marks a new era for Minnesota basketball as the Gophers look to return to prominence in the Big Ten.
Medved, a Minneapolis native and a former player at the University of Minnesota, returns to his home state to lead a program that has experienced ups and downs in recent years. His hiring comes after a competitive search, with several candidates being considered to help revitalize the Gophers, who have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons. The decision to hire Medved reflects the university’s desire to bring in a coach who can both develop talent and elevate the program to the upper tier of college basketball.
Under Medved’s leadership, Colorado State enjoyed significant success, particularly in the 2023-24 season, when the Rams finished with a 26-10 record and made a notable run in the NCAA Tournament. Medved’s ability to lead the Rams to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and his reputation for developing strong, competitive teams caught the attention of Minnesota athletic director Mark Coyle and university officials.
“We are thrilled to welcome Niko Medved back to Minnesota,” said Coyle in a statement. “Niko’s track record of success, his deep connections to the state, and his passion for building championship programs made him the ideal candidate to lead our men’s basketball team. We are excited for the future of Gopher basketball under his leadership.”
Medved’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a high-paced, disciplined style of play. His teams have been known for their solid defense, efficient ball movement, and their ability to execute in critical moments. These qualities will be crucial as the Gophers look to compete at a higher level in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
“I am incredibly excited to return to Minnesota and to take on this opportunity,” Medved said. “This program has a rich history, and I am committed to making the Gophers a force in the Big Ten once again. I have a deep love for this state, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Medved’s coaching journey has spanned multiple programs. Before his successful stint at Colorado State, he coached at Furman University, where he turned the program into a championship contender in the Southern Conference. His reputation as a program-builder and his success in recruiting players who fit his system will be vital as he works to recruit top talent to Minnesota.
As Medved takes over the Golden Gophers, his primary task will be to rebuild a roster that has had its share of challenges. The Gophers are coming off a disappointing season and are in need of a coach who can develop their young talent while also adding key transfers and recruits. Medved’s success at Colorado State demonstrated his ability to turn around programs and develop players, and many are hopeful that he can bring that same success to Minnesota.
In the coming months, Medved is expected to assemble his coaching staff and begin evaluating the current roster, as he prepares for his first season leading the Gophers. The expectations are high, and fans of Minnesota basketball are optimistic about the future under Medved’s leadership. With a renewed focus on building a competitive team and creating a culture of success, the Golden Gophers could be poised for a resurgence in the Big Ten.