Long Beach State, head coach Dan Monson agree to contract extension

Prior to last season’s 15-17 record, Dan Monson had experienced just one losing season during his time at Long Beach State, with that being his first campaign in 2007-08. The 49ers have become well-known for the grueling non-conference schedules they play annually, with those challenges helping to prepare Monson’s teams for Big West play.

And the scheduling strategy has worked in that regard, as Long Beach State has won at least ten conference games in each of the last four seasons. Also of note during Monson’s tenure are the three Big West regular season titles and an NCAA tournament appearance in 2012. With those accomplishments under his belt, it was only a matter of time before Long Beach State moved to take care of their head coach.

Wednesday afternoon, the school announced that it has extended Monson’s contract through the 2018-19 season.

“Simply put, I’m really excited,” noted Monson. “In today’s day and age, stability in our profession is really hard to come by. It really makes me appreciate the special people I am surrounded by at the Beach – an administration and coaching staff second to none. This extension really shows that the university has confidence in what we’re doing here and in the direction of the program. I wake up every day honored to represent this university and am thrilled to have that opportunity for years to come.”

Monson’s won 119 games at Long Beach State, and he’s just four wins away from passing Jerry Tarkanian as the school’s winningest coach. Guards Mike Caffey, who’s been a first team All-Big West selection in each of the last two years, and Tyler Lamb will lead the way in 2014-15, with Long Beach State’s schedule including road games against eight teams that reached the NCAA tournament last year.

Among those teams are BYU, San Diego State, Texas, Syracuse and Louisville.

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