Long Beach Athletics Executive Director of Athletics Bobby Smitheran and Head Coach Dan Monson met this morning and agreed to mutually part ways following the conclusion of the season. Monson, who has served as head basketball coach since 2007, will remain as the coach of the team through the postseason including the upcoming Big West Championship, but will not return in 2024-25.
“On behalf of the entire Long Beach State community, I would like to thank Coach Monson for his 17 seasons of service to Beach Athletics and his many contributions to our men’s basketball program,” Smitheran said. “As the all-time leader in career victories, he has positively impacted countless student-athletes to strive athletically and academically, and he leaves our program in great shape to continue our pursuit for championships. We wish the best for Dan, Darci, and the rest of his family as his coaching journey continues.”
Over his time as the head coach at Long Beach State, Monson has won 272 games, the most victories of any head coach in Long Beach State history and the fifth most of any coach as a member of the Big West. A four-time Big West Coach of the Year, Monson was also twice named the NABC All-District 9 Coach. Leading the Beach to four Big West regular season titles, Monson guided Long Beach State to four NIT appearances as well as the 2011-12 NCAA Tournament.
In his tenure Long Beach State had some of the best talent in the Big West, with four Big West Player of the Year selections, 18 First-Team All-Big West honorees and two players who went on to play in the NBA in Casper Ware and James Ennis, along with many others playing professionally overseas.
“I want to personally thank Long Beach State for being an awesome place to raise a family and work at a job I loved for 17 years,” said Monson. “I am proud of what we have accomplished on and off the court, but it is time for a new voice for the program. I wish nothing but the best for a special university and a tremendous group of student athletes. I am also personally excited for what lies ahead for the Monson family and myself.”
Long Beach State Athletics will begin the search for a new head coach immediately. “A change in leadership creates an opportunity to re-envision the future of our storied men’s basketball program,” said Smitheran. “We are committed to finding the right person for the job – one that can harness the incredible energy of this community, build meaningful connections, and elevate this program to the next level. We expect to have a strong pool of candidates.” The search will be supported by TurnkeyZRG, a leading executive search firm in the college athletics space.
