Colorado State men’s basketball coach Niko Medved is leaving Fort Collins to take the head coaching position at the University of Minnesota, marking a return to his home state and alma mater. After seven successful seasons leading the Rams, Medved will now become the 19th head coach in Gophers men’s basketball history.
The University of Minnesota officially announced the hiring on March 24, 2025, confirming a six-year contract for Medved, pending Board of Regents approval and a background check.
Minnesota's Confidence in Medved
“This is an exciting day for our program, our University and our state,” said Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle. “Niko is a proud Minnesotan who has shown the ability to build programs the right way while also winning games and developing young men. His deep ties to this state and his experience as a successful head coach make him the right fit for Minnesota.”
Medved, a Roseville native, began his coaching journey at Minnesota as a student manager under Clem Haskins and returned as an assistant coach for the Gophers during the 2006-07 season. His return to Minneapolis brings his career full circle.
A Legacy of Success at Colorado State
His time at Colorado State was defined by consistency and growth. Medved leaves the program with a 143-85 record—the second-most wins in school history. Under his leadership, the Rams reached the NCAA Tournament in 2022, 2024, and 2025, and became a perennial contender in the Mountain West.
His final game with the Rams came in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where Colorado State lost a nail-biting 72-71 contest to Maryland in the second round, sealed by a buzzer-beater from Maryland’s Derik Queen.
Emotional Farewell to Fort Collins
Reflecting on his departure, Medved expressed deep appreciation for his time with the Rams. “My experience at Colorado State was incredibly special, and I’m proud of what we built together,” he said. “But coming home to coach the team I grew up watching, at the school I love, is a dream come true.”
His impact extended beyond the court. In recent years, CSU basketball has become a prominent part of the local sports landscape—one that also includes rising interest in fan engagement and entertainment, from March Madness bracket pools to the growing popularity of Colorado sports betting bonuses, especially during tournament season.
At CSU, Medved helped develop standout talent, including NBA draft pick David Roddy, the 2022 Mountain West Player of the Year. His accolades also include back-to-back United States Basketball Writers Association District Coach of the Year honors in 2021 and 2022.
Coaching Transition Underway at CSU
With Medved’s exit, Assistant Head Coach Ali Farokhmanesh has been named interim head coach. Colorado State Athletic Director John Weber confirmed a national search for the program’s next leader is already in progress.
Medved’s departure also triggers a contractual buyout. His recently extended contract, worth $1.7 million in 2024-25 and increasing to $2 million by the final year, includes a clause requiring CSU to receive 33% of the remaining salary upon his exit.
A New Era for Gophers Basketball
As Medved begins his tenure at Minnesota, expectations are high. The Gophers are eager to turn the page after a difficult stretch under previous coach Ben Johnson. With strong ties to the program and a proven track record of success, Medved brings both familiarity and fresh energy to a team looking to rise in the Big Ten.
Fans in both Minnesota and Colorado now watch with anticipation—one side welcoming back a hometown coach, and the other bidding farewell to a program builder who helped restore pride in Rams basketball.
