Gophers women’s golf assistant coach Matt Higgins was promoted as the next head coach, agreeing on a three-year deal pending a background check, according to a press release.

Higgins spent the last three-and-a-half years under former head coach Rhyll Brinsmead before she announced her retirement on May 9.

Higgins, a Forest Lake native, joined the program in January 2021, the same time Brinsmead took over as head coach. 

“I’ve always admired the rich history of Gopher Athletics and the Gopher golf programs,” Higgins said. “From day one, I promise we will represent the Maroon and Gold, and this great state well.”

Higgins was the head coach of men’s and women’s golf at Regis University in Colorado for two years and Concordia-St. Paul for 14 years. He was also the women’s golf head coach for the University of Montana for two years.

While at Concordia-St. Paul, Higgins won two NSIC Women’s Golf Coach of the Year awards and led his team to two NCAA tournament appearances. His players had the highest grade point average in Division II golf in 2009, 2014 and 2015. 

Director of Athletics Mark Coyle said Higgins would excel in his new role given his ability to foster connections with student-athletes.

“I know (Higgins) will give his absolute best to our student-athletes and to the department in everything he does,” Coyle said. “Matt understands golf in Minnesota and is ready for this opportunity.”

As assistant coach, Higgins helped lead rising junior Isabella McCauley to a Big Ten title and two NCAA postseason appearances.