Idaho Vandals Coach Don Monson Is Survived By His Wife, Deanna, And Three Children

Don Monson guided UI to two NCAA Tournament appearances, during which his team won 43 consecutive home games over two seasons.

October 5, 2026

This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on October 5, 2026

American college basketball head coach Don Monson and his wife were blessed with three children.

Sadly, Don Monson, a former Idaho basketball coach who guided the Vandals to the Sweet 16 in 1981, passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 92.

Don Monson guided UI to two NCAA appearances, during which his team won 43 consecutive home games over a two-season period.

The 1981-82 team, which finished 27-3, became the first Vandal team to win a game in the NCAA Tournament.

The ’81-’82 team – which was ranked No. 8 in the final Associated Press poll – was inducted into the Hooptown Hall of Fame over the summer.

Monson led the Vandals for five seasons, finishing 100-41 before leaving after the 1983 season to coach Oregon.

Before coaching, Monson played three seasons, from 1952 to 1955, for the Vandals. Monson, who grew up in Coeur d’Alene, started his coaching career at Cheney High School before moving on to Pasco High.

He later worked under Jud Heathcote as an assistant coach at Michigan State, where he was credited with the recruitment of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, before eventually taking over at Idaho.

Coach Don Monson Leaves Behind His Wife And Three Children

Basketball coach Don Monson was to Deanna Monson. Their wedding date has not been revealed yet.

Moreover, Deanna has stayed away from social media highlights, so little is known about her personal life.

Their married life ended following the tragic death of Don Monson. Close ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences to Deanna to stay strong in this difficult time.

Deanna and Don were blessed with three children: Dana, Dan, and Darla Monson.

Dana was born in 1960, Dan in 1961, and Darla in 1965.

Recently, Don’s passing was announced by his son, Dan, a basketball coach at Eastern Washington University. He took to his official Twitter handle and wrote,

Dan Monson is an American college basketball coach who currently serves as the head coach at Eastern Washington. He was previously the head coach at Long Beach State for 17 seasons.

On April 6, 2007, Monson was named the head coach at Long Beach State. In 2018, a poll of Big West assistant coaches named Long Beach State as the “Best Job in the Big West.”

On March 11, 2026, the school announced that it would be parting ways with Monson at the end of the season.

Six days after the announcement, Long Beach State won the 2026 Big West tournament, earning the team an automatic berth to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• After a stint in the U.S. Navy, Monson was a successful high school coach in Eastern Washington, serving as the head coach for 18 seasons from 1958 to 1976, compiling a record of 266–134 (.665).
• Monson moved up to the collegiate ranks in 1976 as an assistant under friend Jud Heathcote at Michigan State.
• With the Spartans, Monson refined the 2–3 matchup zone defense and was credited with recruiting Earvin “Magic” Johnson to the Spartans in 1977.

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Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

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