The University of Minnesota Duluth and head men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him on the Bulldog bench through the 2028-29 season.

“Justin is respected by our entire staff and I am pleased to announce that he will continue to lead Bulldog basketball,” said UMD director of athletics Forrest Karr. “Justin is incredibly thoughtful and diligent. He prioritizes academics, always treats student-athletes the right way and has consistently made a positive impact on the greater Duluth community.”

Since taking over the program in 2018, Wieck has molded the Bulldogs into one of the top Division II basketball programs in the country. Over seven seasons, Wieck has amassed an impressive 142-58 record, earning a .710 winning percentage which currently ranks him 10th among all active coaches in NCAA Division II men’s basketball. Notwithstanding a shortened 13-game Covid season in 2020, Wieck’s Bulldogs have completed five consecutive 20+ win seasons. 

Under Wieck, UMD has been a constant threat in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, finishing third or better in six of his seven years on the sideline. Overall, Wieck’s squads have achieved a 99-43 record in NSIC regular season games and earned the 2021-22 NSIC North Division Championship.

Wieck has marched the Bulldogs to unprecedented postseason success, securing three NCAA tournament bids and four NCAA tournament wins, including the program’s first NCAA Central Region Championship and appearance in the 2023 Elite Eight. Wieck has collected nine NSIC Tournament wins, including three appearances in the NSIC Tournament championship game. 

Under Wieck, Romano Gymnasium has reestablished its reputation as one of the toughest visiting team venues in the NSIC. The Bulldogs have accomplished a 66-14 home record over the past six seasons, including an undefeated home season in 2021-22.

“It’s an honor to continue leading UMD men’s basketball,” said Wieck. “We have achieved a great deal of success, and the best is yet to come. The true test of a successful program is one with great synergy from every angle, and I am proud of the entire program that we have built in Duluth. We are lined up and connected in all aspects and I am excited for the future.

Thank you to Forrest and Chancellor Nies for continuing to push forward UMD Athletics and believing in our vision for success. Thank you to the fans, alums and donors who have helped position us to compete at a high level.  

Our program has been built by the hard work and dedication of our players, coaches, managers, and athletics staff. This University and the city of Duluth is a special place, attractive to our recruits and their families. A special thanks to my wife Laura and my entire family as all of our success is truly a family accomplishment. Our sights are set on winning a National Championship and I look forward to the relentless pursuit of bringing that home to Duluth.”

Over his seven seasons, Wieck has coached three All-Americans, two NSIC Players of the Year, one NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, one NSIC Freshman Of the Year, and 15 NSIC All-Conference award winners. Wieck has mentored an impressive seven 1,000 point scorers, including 5 of the Top 10 scorers in UMD history. Drew Blair set the bar as the all-time leading scorer with 2,772 points. Brandon Myer (2nd), Charlie Katona (4th), Austin Andrews (8th) and Joshua Brown (10th) round out an impressive list of Wieck’s players who have thrived on the offensive end of the court. 

Drew Blair earned All-America honors under Wieck’s guidance and was named 1st team All-NSIC in his last three seasons with the Bulldogs. Brandon Myer also earned All-America recognition, NSIC Player of the Year in 2020, and 1st team All-NSIC twice in his career. Austin Andrews also earned All-America honors, NSIC Freshman of the Year in 2020, and NSIC North Division Player of the Year in 2022. Charlie Katona was named NSIC Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 and earned NSIC 1st team honors in 2024 and 2025.

Wieck’s success on the court is mirrored off the court. Under Wieck’s leadership, student-athletes have accumulated a 3.37 grade point average and 23 graduates from the University. Austin Andrews was a three-time Academic All-America honoree and Joshua Strong earned the 2023 NCAA Elite 90 academic award recognizing the highest achieving student competing in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.