Dan Monson was named the 20th head coach in Eastern Washington University men’s basketball history in April 2024, bringing with him nearly three decades of Division I head coaching experience. With over 445 career wins, Monson has built a reputation as a seasoned leader, highlighted by four NCAA Tournament appearances and multiple conference championships. In his first season leading the Eagles, he guided the program to a double-digit win total while helping several players achieve career-best performances. His leadership also produced notable road victories, including a decisive win over Weber State, signaling early progress in the program’s development.
Before arriving at Eastern Washington, Monson spent 17 seasons at Long Beach State, where he became the program’s all-time winningest coach with 275 victories and led the team to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. His résumé also includes head coaching stints at the University of Minnesota and Gonzaga University, where he helped spark Gonzaga’s rise to national prominence with an Elite Eight run in 1999. In addition to his collegiate success, Monson has contributed to USA Basketball, earning gold medals as a staff member at international competitions. A graduate of the University of Idaho, he holds a master’s degree from UAB and comes from a coaching family, continuing a legacy of leadership in the sport.
