DeKALB, IL – Northern Illinois University Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier announced on Friday that John Carlson has been named the fourth head coach of the Huskie men's golf program.
 
"John brings a wealth of golf knowledge and experience to the NIU men's golf program," said Frazier. "I have no doubt that John's background of coaching success, as well as his playing credentials, will help him build a championship-caliber program here at NIU. I am excited to have John leading our men's golf program and be a part of that progression."
 
Carlson comes to DeKalb with nine years of coaching experience at the University of Minnesota. He had been the Director of Men's Golf for the Golden Gophers the past two seasons. In that role, he oversaw all aspects of the program including scheduling, academic progress of student-athletes and team performance. In 2019 the Golden Gophers had five top-five team finishes as Angus Flanagan won the Big Ten individual championship.
 
Prior to becoming the Director of Men's Golf, Carlson was the head coach at Minnesota from 2010 to 2017. He led the Golden Gophers to the 2014 Big Ten Championship, making Minnesota the only program other that Illinois to win the conference title since 2009. Carlson was named Big Ten Coach of the Year that season. Overall, Carlson led Minnesota to five top-six finishes at the Big Ten Championship including three top-three finishes. Minnesota made six NCAA Regional appearances with Carlson at the helm.
 
"I'm excited and grateful today," Carlson said. "I'd like to thank Sean T. Frazier and Ryan Sedevie for giving me the opportunity to lead the NIU men's golf program. Throughout the interview process, I could feel the positive energy within the department under the leadership of our Director of Athletics, Sean T. Frazier. I have always loved recruiting top Midwestern talent, as well as champion international student-athletes. The Chicagoland area and Rich Harvest Farms, home of the Huskies' golf programs, will continue to help attract top talent as well as prepare our current student-athletes for professional success beyond college."
 
Carlson was an Assistant Golf Professional at Wayzata Golf Club in Wayzata, Minn. for three years before becoming the head coach at Minnesota. He played as a touring professional from 2003 to 2007, playing two years on the Nationwide Tour. Carlson won 12 tournaments as a pro.
 
A 2001 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Carlson was a four-year letterwinner for the Badgers. He won three collegiate events as a collegian and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors all four years.
 
--NIU--