With the memories still fresh following the most successful season on the hardwood in Minot State men’s basketball history, long-time coach Matt Murken is ready for a change.
Minot State’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics, Kevin Harmon, announced today that Coach Murken has turned in his resignation as Minot State’s head men’s basketball coach to pursue a career opportunity as a coach at the NCAA Division I level.
“First, I would like to thank Matt Murken for his leadership of the men’s basketball team at Minot State University,” Harmon said. “He has been successful and taken our program to a national level. It certainly is bittersweet to lose a coach of Matt’s caliber, but ultimately, I am excited for Matt to give Division I basketball a spin and realize his professional aspirations. We wish Matt, Chelsie, and their family all the best in the future.”
Murken steps down after 13 seasons leading the Minot State men’s basketball program and amassing 186 career wins with the Beavers.
“I’m excited for a new professional challenge, but this day is certainly bittersweet,” Murken said.”
“I’ve been blessed beyond measure in the 13 years I’ve been the head coach at Minot State,” he added. “Thank you to all the players and coaches who believed that we could build MSU basketball into something great, and put in countless hours of hard work to get there.
“We’ve rewritten the Beaver basketball record books and sent 23 players on to professional basketball careers, but I hope this legacy is about much more than hoops: We have had quality young men in our program who will continue to make a difference in their families and communities across the country and even the world.”
The 2024-25 season capped an amazing career in the Magic City for Murken as his Beavers set program records for wins, going 26-10 on the year, in points with 2,895, in rebounds with 1,311, in 3-pointers made with 327, and total field-goals made with 1,049. The Beavers also set records by starting the season 17-0 and climbing as high as No. 4 in the nation in the NABC Coach Top 25 poll, both program bests. Minot State capped its incredible season with a first-ever berth to the NCAA National Tournament.
Murken took over leadership of the Minot State men’s basketball program prior to the 2012-13 season, the Beavers’ initial season as a full-fledged NCAA Division II member, after spending two seasons as the head coach at Jamestown.
Murken leaves with a 232-196 overall career record and is No. 2 all-time in men’s basketball coaching wins at Minot State with a 186-180 record in 13 seasons.
“For 13 years Minot has become home,” Murken said. “Chelsie and I announced our marriage date in Beaver jerseys, and Crew, Remie, and Evie were all born here. The Magic City, Minot State University, Minot Public Schools, Our Redeemer Christian Church and School, and Journey Church have all embraced our family and enriched our lives in unbelievable and lasting ways. We can’t thank you all enough.”
Minot State’s VP for Athletics, Harmon, announced that newly hired assistant coach Rylee Hernandez will serve as interim coach for the Beaver men’s basketball program while the search for a new head coach takes place.
“A national search for a new head men’s basketball coach will begin immediately,” Harmon said. “We are dedicated to finding and selecting the right type of coach and educator to lead our men’s basketball program to even higher accomplishments.”
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