Dan Monson famously left Gonzaga University in 1999 following his historic run to the Elite Eight to take the head coaching job at the University of Minnesota, a decision that opened the door for Mark Few to take over and build a national dynasty. While Monson acknowledged the incredible trajectory and sustained success that Gonzaga achieved afterward under Few, he has generally expressed pride in laying the foundational bricks for the program's modern ascent rather than harboring deep career regrets about his professional path.