Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson was relieved of his duties in an unexpected move on Thursday morning. Johnson, a former Gophers player and Minneapolis native, took over the reins at the club in 2021.

Another Big Ten basketball job is open. Minnesota fired Ben Johnson after four seasons, Director of Athletics Mark Coyle announced Thursday morning. The Gophers (15-17) had their season end on Wednesday when they lost to Northwestern in the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament.

Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle has options to explore, including some Minnesota natives, in the search to replace Johnson.