The Colorado State Rams men’s basketball program stands at a pivotal moment in its history. With the departure of Niko Medved, who has accepted the head coaching position at his hometown Minnesota program, the search for his successor begins. Medved leaves a legacy of remarkable success, having guided the Rams to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2025, the first such achievement since 2013. Under his stewardship, the Rams secured 26 wins—marking the second-highest total in program history—and made three NCAA Tournament appearances in four seasons, not to mention contributing to an NIT Final Four run the previous year.
As Athletic Director John Weber moves swiftly to find Medved’s replacement, several candidates are already generating buzz within the Colorado State community. Each contender brings a distinct background and skill set that could help the Rams build on the momentum created during Medved’s tenure.
In-House Candidates
Ali Farokhmanesh – Associate Head Coach
The most immediate and logical choice appears to be Ali Farokhmanesh, currently serving as the associate head coach. Having worked under Medved for several seasons, Farokhmanesh has developed a strong rapport with the players and has been a driving force behind the program’s successful recruiting efforts. Known for his legendary NCAA Tournament moment where he toppled No. 1 seed Kansas during his time at Northern Iowa, Farokhmanesh has garnered respect in the coaching ranks without yet holding a head coach title.
His familiarity with the team, combined with a solid track record in recruiting key players—including standout guard Isaiah Stevens—positions him as a strong candidate to continue what Medved has built.
Tim Miles – San Jose State Head Coach
Another familiar face in the Colorado State community is Tim Miles, who previously led the Rams from 2007 to 2012. While currently at San Jose State, Miles finds himself in a challenging situation with fewer resources at his disposal. His career as a head coach has been marked by resilience and performance improvement, making him a respected figure in the Mountain West Conference. Given that Colorado State is increasing financial support for athletics, a return for Miles might not only be nostalgic but strategically beneficial.
Experienced Candidates
Craig Smith – Former Utah Coach
Craig Smith, another former Colorado State assistant and ex-head coach at Utah, could also be in the mix. His experience in leading programs to NCAA Tournament appearances places him as a well-qualified candidate. Although he was let go from Utah earlier this year, his history with the Rams and familiarity with the Mountain West could make him a compelling option.
Steve Smiley – Northern Colorado Head Coach
Currently leading Northern Colorado, Steve Smiley has proven his capability by guiding his team to near NCAA Tournament berths. His local ties, along with experience coaching at a program within Colorado, position Smiley as a reasonable candidate, especially as he looks to advance his career in a more resource-rich environment.
Other Potential Leaders
While the aforementioned candidates are at the forefront of discussions, other names may also emerge as the search unfolds. Ross Hodge from North Texas has shown promising results in his coaching career; similarly, JR Blount, currently at Iowa State, has past connections with Colorado State under Medved. Another promising prospect is James Miller, currently the associate head coach at Oklahoma State, who has deep roots at Colorado State as an alumnus and past coach.
Conclusion
The departure of Niko Medved certainly places Colorado State’s men’s basketball program at a crossroads—but it is also an opportunity laden with potential. The candidates emerging to fill Medved’s shoes possess a wealth of experience and varying levels of connection to the Rams, each capable of carrying the program forward. As Athletic Director John Weber seeks to find a seamless transition in leadership, the next head coach of the Colorado State Rams has the potential to not just maintain the momentum but elevate the program to new heights. With the growing excitement around the future, the clock is ticking for Colorado State to make a decision that could define its trajectory in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
