Gophers officially name Tubby Smith coach

Men's College Basketball News

Mar 23, 2007, 18:30 GMT

Minneapolis, MN - Tubby Smith was named the new head coach at the University of Minnesota on Friday.The 55-year-old Smith replaces Jim Molinari, who became the interim head coach of Minnesota when Dan Monson announced his resignation from the program on November 30.Monson was in his eighth season with the Golden Gophers, who were off to a 2-5 start at the time of his resignation.'We're extremely excited to bring a coach of Tubby Smith's caliber to the University of Minnesota,' Gophers athletic director Maturi said. 'His record on the court speaks for itself, but more importantly, he is an educator of young men and has unquestioned integrity to lead this program to the highest level.'Smith has been the head coach at Kentucky for the last 10 seasons, compiling a record of 263-83. The Wildcats have also advanced to the NCAA Tournament every year with Smith on the bench and have made it to the Elite Eight four times during his tenure.The last two seasons, the Wildcats were bounced from the tournament in the second round.This past season, Kentucky ended the year with a 22-12 record and lost seven out of its last 11 games overall. The Wildcats season came to an end with a loss to Kansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 18.In the 1997-98 season, Smith led the Wildcats to the National Championship in his first year as head coach.Smith compiled 100 wins faster than any other coach at Kentucky except for Hall of Famer Adolph Rupp, reaching the plateau in 130 games.'Tubby Smith will bring a positive, new direction for Gopher mens basketball,' said Minnesota president Robert Bruininks. 'His success in winning games and guiding student-athletes to academic success will be good for this program and the entire university.'© 2007 The Sports Network

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CatsFanMar 23rd, 2007 - 19:00:51

Our loss is your gain. Tubby is a one in a million and will be lost here.

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UKFanInTNMar 23rd, 2007 - 19:27:49

I think both teams benefit here. Tubby's style of play will fit in nicely in Minnesota's conference. Tubby is a good coach, and a great person, but it was time for a change...both for Tubby and for the University of Kentucky. I think most UK fans, whether they were 'pro' or 'anti' Tubby Smith, never questioned Tubby's character and wish him the best at Minnesota.

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LeftyMar 23rd, 2007 - 20:47:20

Big name and big pay for MN coach.....expectations will be too high right away.

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