Farokhmanesh named Colorado State men’s basketball head coach after NCAA Tournament run

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Colorado State University has appointed longtime assistant Ali Farokhmanesh as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program, the school announced Tuesday, following the Rams’ Round of 32 appearance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Farokhmanesh, 36, steps into the role after seven seasons on CSU’s staff, including the past three as associate head coach under Niko Medved, who has departed to become head coach at the University of Minnesota.

“Ali has a relentless attitude that he attacks each day with,” CSU athletic director John Weber said. “His ability to connect with players, staff, and the community made him the clear choice to lead this program forward.”

During his time on the bench in Fort Collins, Farokhmanesh helped guide CSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2024, 2025), a 2021 NIT semifinal, and the 2025 Mountain West Tournament title — the program’s first in 22 years. He is credited with helping develop future NBA players David Roddy, Isaiah Stevens, and Nique Clifford.

“This university and state are special because of the great people,” Farokhmanesh said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited to take the next step.”

Farokhmanesh’s coaching career also includes stints at Nebraska (director of player development) and Drake (assistant coach). As a player, he was a March Madness sensation at Northern Iowa, where he famously led the Panthers to the Sweet 16 in 2010 with a clutch three-pointer to upset No. 1 Kansas. He later played professionally in Europe before beginning his coaching career. Farokhmanesh becomes the 21st head coach in CSU men’s basketball history, and inherits a program coming off back-to-back NCAA Tournament bids and a strong foundation of returning talent. The Rams finished 25-9 in 2025, narrowly falling to Maryland 72-71 on a last-second shot in the second round of March Madness.

Farokhmanesh and his wife Mallory, along with their four children, will remain in Fort Collins as the program looks to build on its championship-caliber trajectory.