Eastern Washington announced the hiring of Dan Monson as their new head coach on Friday. Monson, who previously coached at Long Beach State, Gonzaga, and Minnesota, will be taking over a successful Eagles program that has clinched the last two Big Sky Conference regular-season titles.
Monson's coaching situation gained attention during March Madness when Long Beach State informed him that he would not be returning next season right before the Big West Conference Tournament. Despite this news, Monson led the team to victory in the conference tournament, securing an unexpected NCAA tournament bid.
Eastern Washington's athletic director, Tim Collins, expressed the importance of finding a coach who resonated with the region. Collins highlighted Monson's connection to the area and his commitment to the program.
Monson's appointment comes after the departure of David Riley, who recently accepted the head coaching position at Washington State. With an impressive coaching career spanning 27 years, Monson brings a wealth of experience to Cheney, boasting 445 wins, nine regular-season or conference titles, and four trips to March Madness.
Notably, Monson played a pivotal role in establishing Gonzaga's basketball program in the late 1990s, setting the stage for the team's continued success with 25 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. He also successfully revitalized Long Beach State following a recruiting scandal that had placed the program in NCAA scrutiny.
Monson's hiring has been met with support from colleagues and peers in the basketball community, with Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd praising Monson's character and coaching abilities. Lloyd expressed confidence that Monson would excel in his new role at Eastern Washington.
As Monson embarks on this new chapter in his coaching career, he will undoubtedly bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide the Eagles to further success in the Big Sky Conference and beyond.
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