Long Beach State head coach Dan Monson signed a five-year contract extension to remain in charge of the Men’s Basketball program through the 2018-19 season.
Monson and legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian are the only two individuals to lead the program to three consecutive postseason appearances. Monson is expected to pass Tarkanian for the most wins at Long Beach State with his 123rd victory at LBSU later this season. He currently has 119 wins.
“Dan Monson has been a terrific leader for the basketball program and this extension will ensure the continuity we need advance the program, win championships and gain NCAA appearances,” said the university's Athletic Director Vic Cegles. “His ability to find and recruit players who are committed to the community and to graduation has been outstanding.”
The 49ers have shown marked improvement under Monson during his seven seasons at Long Beach State, including three Big West Championships, four straight winning season in Big West play, and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament back in 2012.
For his efforts, Monson has been recognized as conference Coach of the Year three times already.
“Simply put, I’m really excited,” noted Monson. “In today’s day and age, stability in our profession is really hard to come by. It really makes me appreciate the special people I am surrounded by at the Beach – an administration and coaching staff second to none. This extension really shows that the university has confidence in what we’re doing here and in the direction of the program. I wake up every day honored to represent this university and am thrilled to have that opportunity for years to come.”
The former Gonzaga and Minnesota head coach has also admirably changed the scheduling culture of the men's program. In each of the last four seasons, Long Beach State has played the nation’s toughest non-conference schedule, earning signature wins in that schedule.
Most notably, the 2011-12 team captured wins at No. 9 Pittsburgh and No. 14 Xavier. Under Monson, the 49ers defeated UCLA for the first and only time in school history, as well as beat USC for the first time since 1999.
By Staff of TheDailySporsHerald.com
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