Ben Johnson is the 18th head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, his alma mater, for the 2023–24 season. Johnson was appointed as their head coach in March 2021. He also worked as an assistant coach at Minnesota from 2013–18.
Johnson was born on December 23, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After three seasons as an assistant coach at Xavier, he earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from Minnesota in 2005. During his collegiate career, Johnson captained the Gophers twice (2002–04); his playing career ended with 533 points in 59 games.
In his first season, with the addition of 10 new players, Johnson faced the challenge of building a team from the ground up as the Gophers men's basketball coach. And he succeeded with the Golden Gophers having a 13–17 record with a 9–1 record in non-conference play in the 2021-22 season.
The Gophers then went on to win the Asheville Championship and defeated Pitt in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge in the same season; moreover, two players were named to the All-Big Ten.
| Name | Benjamin Johnson |
| Nick Name | Ben Johnson |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Weight | 84 kg (185 lbs.) |
| Age | 44 years old (December 23, 1980) |
| Education | Northwestern University, University of Minnesota |
| Residence | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Position | Head Coach for Minnesota Golden Gophers |
| Source of Wealth | Basketball Coach |
| Salary | $1.95 million |
Ben Johnson’s Salary
According to USA Today, Ben Johnson's salary is $2,079,315, as of the 2024 season. This salary includes a bonus of $675,000.
Ben Johnson Contract Breakdown
| Year | University | Position | Total Pay | School Pay | Other Pay | Maximum Bonus |
| 2024 | Minnesota | Head | $2,079,315 | $2,079,315 | - | $675,000 |
| 2023 | Minnesota | Head | $2,009,000 | $2,009,000 | - | $675,000 |
| 2022 | Minnesota | Head | $1,950,000 | $1,950,000 | - | $675,000 |
| 2019 | Xavier | Assistant | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 2018 | Minnesota | Assistant | $213,570 | $213,570 | $0 | $60,300 |
| 2017 | Minnesota | Assistant | $213,570 | $213,570 | $0 | $60,300 |
FAQs On Ben Johnson
A. Ben Johnson is an American college basketball coach and former player, the head coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball team.
A. Ben Johnson'swas named head coach on March 22, 2021.
A. Ben Johnson played for the Northwestern Wildcats and later for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
A. Ben Johnson served as an assistant coach at Xavier University from 2018 to 2021.
A. Ben Johnson scored 2,200 points at DeLaSalle High School and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2016.
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