Even though Dan Monson is no longer with Long Beach State, he might have earned employee of the year.
Despite being fired by the team, Monson will still be in charge of Long Beach State as his No. 15 team gets ready to take on the No. 2 seed Arizona Wildcats. Unlike most employees who receive the dreaded pink slip, the coach stays on to finish the job before grabbing his belongings and leaving the property.
There’s an interesting dynamic heading into the first round, especially if the Beach pull off a massive shock, thanks to an unexpected run to a big dance venue.
Long Beach State’s coach, Dan Monson, was let go. Why?
Before Long Beach State’s unlikely run to the NCAA Tournament, Monson was fired for good reason. Despite being the most successful coach in the school’s history, his squad was limping into the end of the season. After dropping their opening five games, the Beach ended the regular season with a 10-10 conference record.
Moreover, Long Beach State’s history of earning berths in the NCAA Tournament isn’t particularly noteworthy, thus the decision wasn’t particularly controversial at the time. His team under his guidance only made one participation in the NCAA Tournament, and that was in 2012.
After 17 years in command, one could argue that it was time for some fresh leadership.
According to a press release from athletic director Bobby Smitheran, “A change in leadership creates an opportunity to re-envision the future of our storied men’s basketball program.” “We’re committed to selecting the most qualified applicant who can build strong relationships, harness the incredible energy of this community, and advance this program. We hope to have a strong pool of candidates.”
Monson was supposed to stay with the team until the postseason was over, but the coach and the school parted ways. Monson appeared to be approaching the matter with levity as well.
In Salt Lake City on Wednesday, he said at his press conference, “I’m working for free today, so I don’t have to answer anything I don’t want to.” Furthermore, he compared his situation to a scene from the sitcom “Seinfeld.”
He used his personal situation to galvanize the team for the Big West Tournament, and it worked as the team captured the title and the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
I told them, “Look, we still have this week.” They could not have given it to us this week, even though we have to accept their decision. Many coaches say, “Let’s make the most of this week, because when they’re done, they’re done,” which is why I’m grateful for this particular week, Monson said.
Head coach Mark Few of Gonzaga, whose team is competing in the first round at the same venue but on the opposite side of the bracket, complimented Monson and chastised Long Beach State on Wednesday during his own press conference.
Few said, “He’s handled it in a real, real classy way.” “I can’t say the same for Long Beach State.”
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Will Long Beach State welcome Dan Monson back?
If the postseason never ends, what would happen? Could Long Beach State decide to change its mind?
Monson, according to Sportico, will not live happily ever after—not even in a Cinderella story.
A Long Beach State representative informed the publication that Monson would not be coming back after their stellar tournament run. “A possible postseason run was considered when making the decision,” the official stated.
Monson has stated that he would like to continue coaching, despite the impression that the door is closed.
Monson said to ESPN after winning the Big West Tournament, “I don’t think this is my last.” “I love coaching, and I love teamwork. I need a new challenge. Let us go on to the following stage of life.
Given how things have worked out, it appears that there is much more to be revealed about Monson’s coaching career.