Ben Johnson has decided to leave the Washington State University men’s basketball staff, head coach Ken Bone announced Tuesday. Johnson spent the previous nine years as an assistant coach under Bone and his predecessors Tony Bennett and Dick Bennett.

“We’re sorry to see Ben leave the program,” Bone said. “He has contributed a tremendous amount not only during my four years here at WSU, but also over the past nine seasons. We wish Ben nothing but the best!”

Johnson joined the Cougar men’s basketball staff in 2004 under then-head coach Dick Bennett. He coached under the elder Bennett for two seasons before Tony Bennett took over prior to the 2006-07 season. Johnson was a teammate of Tony Bennett’s at Wisconsin-Green Bay for four seasons (1989-92), where he was coached by Dick Bennett.

“I want to thank everyone at Washington State University for their genuine care and support over the past nine seasons,” Johnson said. “My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of Cougar Nation and the University community. I want to wish Coach Bone, our coaching staff and players the best of luck and continued success.”

During Johnson’s nine seasons at WSU, the Cougars made two runs to the NCAA Tournament, including their first trip to the ‘Sweet 16’, two appearances in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), including a trip to the semifinals in New York, and a spot in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) Championship Series.

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