MSU Athletics

Jack Nelson is entering his fifth season as assistant men's basketball coach at Minot State University and has taken on a large roll in recruiting for the program.

During the 2015-16 season he helped coach the first men's program to finish with a winning record since Minot State has entered the Division II ranks.

Nelson helped the Beavers to a double-digit wins in the 2014-15 and 2012-13 seasons

Prior to joining the Beavers, Nelson gained coaching experience from three well respected programs: Saint Mary's University (Winona, Minn.), University of Sioux Falls, and Bellevue University.

He began his collegiate coaching career in 2007 at Saint Mary's University (Winona, Minn.), where he served as assistant men's basketball coach. While at SMU, Nelson assisted in all aspects of the basketball program including recruiting, game plans, and fund-raising.

In 2008, he took on the assistant men's basketball coach and Head JV men's basketball coach at the University of Sioux Falls. He helped the Cougars make the same transition as the Beavers, moving from NAIA to NCAA Divison II.

During his tenure at USF, he helped the team to a 67-34 overall record. Nelson helped the Cougars to three consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

In 2011, Nelson moved to Bellevue University in Bellevue, Neb. He served as assistant men's basketball coach, where he assisted in all aspects of running the program including strength and conditioning. During his one season at Bellevue, Nelson helped the team to a 28-6 overall record and an appearance in the NAIA Sweet 16.

Nelson is a native of Dillon, Colo... He and his wife Jamie live in Minot.