New Gophers men’s basketball coach coach Niko Medved will earn $1 million more than what previous U coach Ben Johnson received last season, according to the U’s memorandum of understanding shared

The university fired previous coach Ben Johnson following a disappointing 15-17 season that ended with a first-round exit in the Big Ten Tournament. Johnson, a Minneapolis native and former Gophers player, had two seasons left on his contract, requiring a $2.92 million buyout. His $1.95 million annual salary was the lowest in the conference.

Gophers AD Mark Coyle is hiring Niko Medved to replace Ben Johnson as the school's next men's basketball coach. Medved is a Roseville native, was a student manager for the Gophers with Clem Haskins and an assistant coach during the 2006-07 season.