In a significant development in college basketball, the University of Minnesota has appointed Niko Medved, formerly the head coach at Colorado State, as the new head coach of the Golden Gophers men’s basketball team. This move marks a homecoming for Medved, a Minneapolis native and University of Minnesota alumnus, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Gophers during the 2006-07 season.
Medved’s Coaching Journey
Medved’s coaching career began at Macalester College before he moved on to assistant coaching roles at Furman, Minnesota, and Colorado State. He became the head coach at Furman in 2013, leading the team to a Southern Conference championship in 2017. Medved then took the helm at Drake University for the 2017-18 season before returning to Colorado State, where he served as head coach from 2018 to 2025. During his tenure at Colorado State, Medved achieved a 143-85 record, including three NCAA Tournament appearances and a Mountain West Conference tournament championship in 2025.
A Promising Future for the Gophers
Medved’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to revitalize the Gophers’ basketball program, which has faced challenges in recent years. His proven track record of building successful programs and developing talent is expected to bring a new energy and direction to the team. The Gophers are hopeful that Medved’s leadership will lead them back to prominence in the Big Ten Conference and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As Medved transitions to his new role, all eyes will be on the Golden Gophers to see how his coaching philosophy and experience translate into success on the court. With his deep ties to the university and a history of turning programs around, Medved’s appointment is a hopeful step toward a bright future for Minnesota men’s basketball.
