Coach Ben Johnson Is a Bell Bank ‘Champion’

Minnesota college men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson has inked a partnership agreement with Bell Bank, becoming a Bell Bank “Champion.” Ben, who took the head coaching helm at the state’s largest university last March, will be a brand ambassador for Bell. He will be featured in the bank’s advertising and social media, participate in key events, and most importantly, partner with Bell to build community through his work with charitable causes.

“Ben is a role model, a leader, and an ambassador for sports and the state of Minnesota,” says Michael Solberg, Bell Bank president and CEO. “Like our other Champions, his values and volunteerism match the value of paying it forward that’s at the heart of our company. We’re excited to partner with Ben and find ways we can work together to make this community even stronger.”

A graduate of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, where he was a multisport athlete, Ben played basketball at the University of Minnesota and served as an assistant coach at Minnesota and most recently at Xavier before returning to his alma mater as head coach.

“It’s been exciting for me to return home and live and work in a place I care so much about,” he comments. “I’m also excited about connecting with Bell. I think ours will be a great partnership in efforts to help people in our community and neighborhoods, particularly our kids.”

Other Bell Bank Champions in Minnesota include University of Minnesota women’s basketball coach (and college, pro and Olympic legend) Lindsay Whalen, NBA player and Apple Valley native Tyus Jones, retired NFL linebacker and sports commentator Ben Leber, award-winning sports broadcaster and play-by-play announcer Marney Gellner, renowned chef Gavin Kaysen, and singer/songwriter Chris Hawkey.