Gophers introduce Brett Larson as new men's hockey coach

Gophers introduce Brett Larson as new men's hockey coach

Gophers Athletic Director Mark Coyle introduced Brett Larson on Tuesday as the new men's hockey coach. Larson is replacing Bob Motzko after eight seasons at St. Cloud State, and won 153 games with the Huskies. He's been a part of four national title games and three gold medals.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - St. Cloud State head coach Brett Larson has been tabbed to replace Bob Motzko as the next University of Minnesota men's hockey coach.

Gophers Athletic Director Mark Coyle made the announcement official Tuesday morning. He and Motzko agreed to part ways last week after eight seasons. Minnesota won just 11 games in 2025-26, and failed to reach the NCAA Tournament.

FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich broke the story of Larson's hiring Tuesday morning.

Gophers hire Brett Larson as new men's hockey coach

University of Minnesota Athletic Director Mark Coyle on Tuesday introduced Brett Larson as the new Gophers' men's hockey coach, replacing Bob Motzko. FOX 9's Dawn Mitchell was at his opening news conference.

Gophers introduce Brett Larson

What we know:

Larson was introduced at an afternoon news conference on the University of Minnesota campus, and before speaking, posed with Coyle for a photo with a Maroon and Gold No. 26 jersey. The Duluth native joked about not getting an offer from the Gophers in high school.

"I always wanted one of those when I was getting recruited as a kid but never got offered one, so nice to finally hold one," Larson said.

Coyle then explained what made Larson the right hire for one of the top jobs in college hockey.

"When we made our choice of Brett Larson, when I think of Minnesota hockey, I think of competing at the highest level and having success at the highest level. When you look at Brett, you see his involvement with four national championship games, three gold medals. This dude has competed at the highest level," Coyle said. "I’m absolutely convinced we’ve got the right person to lead or program as we move forward."

Brett Larson comes from St. Cloud State

The backstory:

Larson has been with St. Cloud State University for eight years and has built the team into a true Division I contender. Under his reign, he has led the Huskies to four NCAA appearances and two conference championships and a National Championship appearance. The team struggled this year, finishing just 16-19-1 and missing the NCAA tournament in 2021.

With the Huskies, he has a career record of 153-116-23, the fourth-most wins in program history.

Larson's hire is pending the completion of a background check and Regents approval.

Larson spoke Tuesday at length about having a team that plays fast, and with a lot of grit. He says Minnesota was the right fit for him, because he considers it the best job in college hockey.

"It means the world to me to be here right now and be a part of a program like this. I think the biggest thing for me is being a part of something this special, the most storied program in college hockey. I grew up in Minnesota, and when you see the Gophers play, you knew them. You’re a little kid, they were men. You might as well be watching the Montreal Canadiens, they were big time," Larson said. "We’re playing for all the people who built this program before us, and all the people that put the bricks in the wall. Every day we come to the rink, we’re playing for something bigger than us."

Motzko also came from St. Cloud State, and Larson replaced him there when Coyle hired Motzko eight years ago.

Dig deeper:

Prior to St. Cloud State, Larson served as an assistant with the University of Minnesota-Duluth and head coach and general manager for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL.

Larson is a Duluth native and played college hockey for Duluth. He played professionally for the Detroit Red Wings.

His next task is to formulate a coaching staff, and hit the recruiting trail. That also includes attempting to retain players with eligibility after last season that could also opt for the NCAA transfer portal.

Big picture view:

The university announced last week changes in both hockey programs, moving on from both Bob Motzko as head coach of its men's program and Brad Frost for its women's team.

Speaking on Monday, as the University of Minnesota introduced Greg May as the new head coach of the women's squad, Athletic Director Mark Coyle explained that change was needed for the men's hockey team.

"We kept talking about what was the best long-term decision for Gopher hockey," explained Coyle, recalling his conversation with Motzko. "And we had an open and honest conversation and as that conversation went on, and we talked about it for a day or two, I think we both realized that the best long term decision was for him to step down and for us to go in a new direction."