Dan Monson is best known in this area for leading Gonzaga to the Elite 8 in 1999 in the program’s infancy. Monson has 27 years of Division I head coaching experience, with 445 wins, four NCAA Tournament appearances (1999, 2005, 2012, 2024), nine conference championships and four Coach of the Year awards. Now, he’s ending his career at Eastern Washington. Jamie Council catches up with the Pasco-native about the Eagles and a look down memory lane.
For Dan Monson, basketball has always been about family, full circles, and finishing what he started. The new head coach for Eastern Washington University’s men’s basketball team sat down with The Sports Council to share why he returned to the Spokane area — and how he plans to rebuild the program from the ground up.
“I tell people all the time — I’m a Zag in my blood, but right now, Eastern Washington’s in my heart and soul. I’m putting everything into it,” Monson said.
Coming Home
Monson’s return is more than just another coaching gig — it’s a chance to be near aging parents and lifelong friends, in a community where he and Gonzaga basketball left a legendary mark.
“Both my dads are in their 90s, both moms are in their late 80s, and they’re all here in town. It’s comforting to be back where you have people to lean on,” he said.
The Spokane area may have changed — more people, more traffic, new restaurants — but for Monson, the sense of community remains the same.
Starting Over at Eastern
When David Riley left EWU for Washington State, the roster was nearly cleared. Monson stepped in knowing this year would be a rebuilding year — but he welcomes the challenge.
“You build anything with a foundation. Our GPA first semester was a 3.47. They’re high-quality kids. Basketball-wise, we’re a long way from where we need to be — but we have a foundation,” he said.
He praised his players’ commitment: early mornings, long hours, and a willingness to learn despite a tough record.
“Losing is part of the process. Nobody wants it, especially me, but you don’t win without paying the price,” Monson said.
New Faces, New Challenges
Most of Monson’s squad came with little or no Division I experience. Only Tyler Patterson and Sebastian Hartmann had significant D1 minutes before this season.
“We’ve led our last three games at halftime. It’s not that we’re not good enough — we’re not consistent enough. That comes with experience,” Monson explained.
One bright spot is Andrew Cook, a former NAIA All-American who’s adjusted quickly and leads the team in scoring.
“Andrew has four years of college ball under his belt. He doesn’t have D1 experience, but he’s mature — that shows,” Monson said.
Rooted in the Tri-Cities
Monson’s Washington roots run deeper than Spokane. He grew up in Pasco, played and coached across the Northwest, and still has family in the Tri-Cities — including brother-in-law Steve Graff, a local coaching legend.
“I’m a proud Pasco Bulldog. My dad was the head coach there in the 70s. The Tri-Cities shaped me,” Monson said. “Athletics made our family close. It still does.”
Leaving a Legacy
Monson knows his coaching career is closer to the final buzzer than tip-off. But his purpose remains clear: shape young men, not just players.
“When I recruit a kid, I tell the parents: if I just give you back a better basketball player, I failed. I want to give you back a grown man ready to be a husband, father, and good person,” he said.
Looking back, Monson points to Gonzaga’s first Elite Eight run as both his biggest coaching accomplishment and regret.
“I didn’t know how rare that was — I thought, ‘This is how it’s supposed to be.’ I’ve been chasing that for 25 years,” he said.
After an emotional final year at Long Beach, which ended with an improbable Big West Tournament title, Monson says he’s more present than ever.
“That run at Long Beach — my players had my back when I felt unwanted. I’ll never forget that,” he said. “Now, at Eastern, it’s my last stop. I’m all in.”
Building Something That Lasts
Monson hopes his final chapter will leave EWU stronger than he found it — and give the Spokane and Tri-Cities communities another program to rally behind.
“This community will back you if you back them. It’s what makes this place special,” he said. “I want Eastern fans to be as proud as Gonzaga fans are — maybe not to that magnitude, but with the same heart.”
Catch more local sports stories every week on The Sports Council, Thursdays at 11:30 AM on 1340 ESPN Tri-Cities, or anytime at 1340espnradio.com.