Monson season...
Long Beach State is back in the NCAA tournament, returning to the Big Dance for the first time since 2012. The man leading the 49ers into the postseason is a familiar face: head coach Dan Monson, the person who has stalked Long Beach State's sidelines for the better part of 17 years.
He doesn't have much longer in the LBC, as Monson and his longtime employers mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the year.
Initially, it seemed an inspired choice. The Niners dropped each of their final five regular season games, falling to 10-10 in conference play and limping into the Big West tournament looking destined for a premature end to the campaign.
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That didn't happen, though, and after leading 18-14 Long Beach State past UC Davis in the Big West tournament finale, Monson couldn't help but showcase his delight.
"God has blessed me with a great career, and these kids have been awesome to coach," Monson said after the game. "When [Jim Harbaugh] says, 'Who has it better than us?' someone needs to tell him, 'Coach Monson [does].'"
Here's what you need to know about Manson, his career up to this point, and what could potentially be next for the outspoken tactician.
Who is Dan Monson?
Monson is the head coach of Long Beach State, one of the Big West's preeminent powerhouses. The school has nabbed 10 tournament appearances, two of which have come under Monson's helm.
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Monson previously took charge at Gonzaga and Minnesota. Under his tutelage, the Zags reached national prominence; Gonzaga went 52-17 over the course of a two-year tenure, reaching the Elite Eight on the back of strong play by Bakari Hendrix, Matt Santangelo, and future NBAer Richie Frahm. Monson's void was soon filled with a familiar face, as one of his top assistants earned a promotion for all his successes. His name? Mark Few.
For his efforts, Monson was rewarded with a sparkling deal with the Golden Gophers. He proceeded to struggle a bit in his time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, notching just one NCAA tournament appearance to four NIT berths. He summarily resigned in 2006 after starting the season 2-5.
The next season, Monson joined Long Beach State. It's been a whirlwind period for Monson, one of the conference's brashest personalities. However, it seems he's finally getting due for his contributions to the league; too bad it's coming just as he prepares to make an exit.
Nevertheless, Monson is adamant he will continue to track college jobs in the hopes of returning to the bench in the future, and after his impressive postseason run despite knowing he won't be returning, it seems likely he'll get that opportunity.
"I don't think this is my last year," he said. "I love coaching. ... I need a new challenge. That's life. It's on to the next chapter."
49ers fans will be hoping Monson's last chapter in Long Beach doesn't end too soon.
