INDIANAPOLIS — Minnesota fired coach Ben Johnson after a 15-17 season that ended with a 72-64 loss to Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Johnson, 44, had three losing seasons in four years as coach and all four of his teams finished under .500 in the Big Ten. The lone postseason appearance was in the NIT last year.
“I thanked him for his dedication and for guiding the program, one he cares deeply about, for the last four years,” athletic director Mark Coyle said in a statement. “These decisions are difficult and are made after careful consideration and evaluation.”
Johnson, a Minneapolis native, is a Minnesota alum, having finished his playing career there after spending his first two seasons at Northwestern. After losing Wednesday, he didn’t sound like someone who knew the end was near.
“You understand what it takes to really be at the top and put yourself in position,” he said. “That’s kind of the fun challenge. I’m appreciative of the resources now to go out there and do that, and there’s no doubt in my mind that that’s what we’ll be doing.”
Martinelli’s numbers game
It was a bit strange when No. 66 took the court for Northwestern during a 70-63 second-round loss to Wisconsin. No name on the back. What in the world?
It was Nick Martinelli, whose No. 2 jersey ripped before the first timeout of the game — badly enough that he needed a backup. Except there was no backup. Just a no-name No. 66.
Maybe football coach David Braun can pack 75 pounds on the 6-7 Martinelli and make him an offensive lineman? Just a thought.
Getting there
If Illinois repeats with a second straight tournament title, it will tie Ohio State for first place among all conference schools in all-time wins in this event. The Buckeyes — who lost their first game this time — have 38.