Home Digital Viral Culture 1

The Unprecedented Timeline Of Dan Monson: Fired, NCAA Tournament Hero, And His New Coaching Chapter At Eastern Washington

• minute read
Contents

The tumultuous and unprecedented events of March 2024 have cemented Dan Monson's place in college basketball lore, creating a story that is as dramatic as any buzzer-beater. On the current date of December 21, 2025, Monson is now firmly established in his new role, but the saga of his departure from Long Beach State remains one of the most talked-about coaching decisions in recent memory. He was famously dismissed from his position only to lead his team to a stunning conference tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth, a bizarre and inspiring turn of events that quickly led him to his next opportunity.

This article dives deep into the career of Dan Monson, from his early success at Gonzaga to his record-breaking tenure at Long Beach State and his fresh start at Eastern Washington University (EWU). His journey is a testament to resilience, proving that a coach's commitment to his players can transcend even the most awkward professional circumstances.

Dan Monson: A Comprehensive Coaching Profile and Biography

Daniel Lloyd Monson, born on October 6, 1961, has built a Division I head coaching career spanning over 27 years, marked by notable successes, challenging rebuilds, and a recent, unforgettable dramatic exit. His career is defined by a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest and a history of elevating basketball programs.

  • Full Name: Daniel Lloyd Monson
  • Born: October 6, 1961 (Age 64 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Moscow, Idaho
  • Alma Mater: University of Idaho (1985)
  • Coaching Experience: 29 Years (as of late 2025)
  • Current Position (2025-2026 Season): Head Coach, Eastern Washington University Eagles (Big Sky Conference)
  • Head Coaching History:
    • Gonzaga Bulldogs (1997–1999)
    • Minnesota Golden Gophers (1999–2006)
    • Long Beach State Beach (2007–2024)
    • Eastern Washington Eagles (2024–Present)
  • Notable Achievements:
    • Long Beach State's All-Time Winningest Coach
    • Led Gonzaga to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance (1999)
    • Led Long Beach State to the NCAA Tournament (2024)

The Firing Heard 'Round the World: Long Beach State's Bizarre March 2024

The story of Dan Monson's final days at Long Beach State (LBSU) is an extraordinary chapter in college basketball history, generating national headlines and intense debate among sports analysts. In a move that shocked the college hoops world, LBSU's athletic director announced on March 11, 2024, that Monson would be fired at the conclusion of the Big West Tournament.

The timing of the decision was highly unusual. Monson, who had been the winningest coach in LBSU history over his 17-year tenure, was allowed to continue coaching the team through the conference tournament. The athletic director later stated the decision was made with the hope it might "trigger the exact response" needed from the team, suggesting it was an attempt to inspire a final run.

From Dismissal to Destiny: The NCAA Tournament Run

What followed was a storybook run that defied the circumstances. Playing under the shadow of their coach's imminent departure, the Long Beach State players rallied with remarkable intensity. They swept through the Big West Tournament, defeating UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and finally UC Davis in the championship game. This victory secured the team's automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, a monumental achievement for the program.

Dan Monson thus became the only coach in NCAA history to be fired and then lead his team into the "Big Dance" in the same week. The emotional outpouring of support for Monson, who coached his final game for LBSU against Arizona in the NCAA Tournament, was immense. The situation highlighted the deep bond between the coach and his players, showcasing a team that fought for their coach's legacy even as his job was being terminated.

The Resilient Return: Monson's New Home at Eastern Washington

The dramatic conclusion to his LBSU tenure did not leave Dan Monson on the sidelines for long. Demonstrating his enduring value as a veteran coach, Monson was officially hired as the 20th head coach of the Eastern Washington University (EWU) men's basketball program on April 12, 2024.

This move represented a significant, and personal, return to his roots. Monson, who is 62 and has deep ties to the region, noted that the move was special because "This is where my family grew up." The opportunity to coach in the Big Sky Conference at a program with a recent history of success provided a perfect landing spot for the experienced coach.

Building the Eagles: The 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Seasons

Monson immediately set about putting his stamp on the Eastern Washington Eagles. He brought in two new assistant coaches and a new Director of Player Development to round out his 2024-2025 staff, focusing on establishing a new culture and recruiting pipeline. His immediate goal was to maintain the competitive edge EWU had established in the Big Sky Conference, a league known for its high-scoring offenses and competitive mid-major basketball. The transition was smooth, leveraging his 27 years of Division I head coaching experience to quickly rebuild the roster and staff.

Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 season, Monson is already in his second year leading the Eagles. His presence brings immediate credibility and a wealth of NCAA Tournament experience to the program. Fans and analysts are eager to see how Monson's coaching style—known for its emphasis on player development and system continuity—translates to sustained success in Cheney, Washington.

Monson's Legacy: The Gonzaga Blueprint and Mid-Major Success

To truly understand Dan Monson's impact, one must look back to his foundational role in the rise of the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Monson took over as head coach in 1997 and, in a brief but brilliant two-year stint, compiled a phenomenal 52-17 record. Crucially, he led the Bulldogs to their first-ever NCAA Tournament in 1999, where they made a Cinderella run all the way to the Elite Eight. This performance put Gonzaga on the national map and laid the groundwork for the perennial powerhouse program it is today.

His subsequent move to the Big Ten Conference at the University of Minnesota was a challenging period, but his tenure at Long Beach State proved his ability to build a winning program from the ground up, culminating in him becoming the program's all-time winningest coach. His career is a masterclass in navigating the complexities of college athletics, from the high-pressure environment of a major conference to the resource constraints of a mid-major program like those in the Big West and Big Sky. Dan Monson remains a figure of immense respect in the college basketball community, a coach whose recent dramatic chapter only serves to highlight his deep commitment to the game and his players.

dan monson basketball coach
dan monson basketball coach

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Broderick Veum
  • Username : elody.jakubowski
  • Email : ufisher@mccullough.net
  • Birthdate : 1993-06-05
  • Address : 95492 Deron Spring Apt. 799 North Rowena, TX 72426-5565
  • Phone : 917-995-5336
  • Company : Fritsch, Welch and Walter
  • Job : Buyer
  • Bio : Accusamus excepturi ex eveniet deleniti iusto. Hic reiciendis voluptas sit vel laboriosam ducimus. Autem ut voluptatum asperiores inventore dolorem eum.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/anibal_xx
  • username : anibal_xx
  • bio : Sunt cum aperiam dolore id. Et aut animi accusamus. Ut ut cum quas eius.
  • followers : 2296
  • following : 1424

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/klocko2002
  • username : klocko2002
  • bio : Eos corrupti nisi sed. Non aut qui neque maxime velit. Nisi rem sunt omnis harum. Quia consequuntur ut cumque eum in rerum.
  • followers : 1445
  • following : 2063

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/anibal_klocko
  • username : anibal_klocko
  • bio : Unde fuga deserunt distinctio quia. Ipsum sit vel et voluptas iure et cum.
  • followers : 2586
  • following : 1663

tiktok:

linkedin:

Random Posts