Lance Westberg has been appointed as the new Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Northwestern, succeeding Tim Grosz after his departure. A 2013 alum of Northwestern, Westberg returns to the program following a successful nine-year career as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. During his time there, Westberg contributed to a 124-111 record, including a WIAC Championship and an NCAA Division III tournament appearance. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and commitment to build strong connections within the program and its community.

By the Numbers
  • Westberg's teams at UW-River Falls secured a 124-111 record, including a conference championship in 2016-17.
  • While at Northwestern, he contributed to an 81-32 record over four seasons, including winning the NCCAA Division I National Championship.
Yes, But

While Westberg's return to his alma mater is promising, he faces the challenge of upholding the legacy established by Tim Grosz, a well-respected figure in the program's history.

State of Play
  • Westberg begins his tenure on June 22nd, 2023.
  • The Eagles’ season opener under Westberg is scheduled for November 7th against Hamline, followed by a home game on November 13th.
What's Next

Westberg will focus on integrating new strategies and maintaining competitiveness as he leads the Eagles into the upcoming season. This includes strengthening recruiting efforts and fostering team development.

Bottom Line

Westberg's appointment signals a new chapter for the University of Northwestern basketball program, with high hopes built on his previous successes as both a player and assistant coach, aiming to continue instilling a strong program culture and community engagement.