On Thursday, May 1, 2025 Minnesota State University Moorhead announced Jason Kemp as the 15th men’s basketball head coach in program history.
Kemp is returning to Moorhead two decades after beginning his coaching career with the Dragons as a Graduate Assistant back in the 2004-05 season. After his time at MSUM as a GA, Kemp coached at North Dakota State (2005-13), Toledo (2013-14), Ohio (2014-19), William & Mary (2019-21), and Minnesota (2021-25).
Coach Kemp spoke on the opportunity to lead MSUM’s men’s basketball program saying, “It is with great excitement that I accept the opportunity to be the next Head Coach at Minnesota State University Moorhead. I started my career at MSUM, and it certainly is a full circle moment to return here in this capacity. Kemp added, “I have watched the program grow and achieve great levels of success under the watch of some very talented coaches and administrators, and I do not take lightly the responsibility of continuing that momentum. My family and I are humbled by the opportunity to return to the Fargo-Moorhead area, and we will work hard every day to maintain a level of success that makes our institution, fanbase, and alumni proud to be Dragons.”
MSUM Athletic Director Chad Markuson gave his initial thoughts on the hire, “Coach Kemp has that undeniable ‘X factor’—an energy and vision that truly set him apart. I’m excited for the NSIC and NCAA Division II programs to take notice of the impact he’s making on our men’s basketball program.” Markuson added, “He understands the Dragon basketball brand, and I look forward to working alongside him to continue building something special.”
MSUM President Dr. Tim Downs said; “We are excited to have a man of Jason Kemp’s caliber as our next men’s basketball coach. His character as a person and expertise in coaching is the perfect recipe to continue the successes of our outstanding program!”
A native of Madison, Wis., Kemp played four years at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise sport science in 2004. He also received a master’s degree in sports management from North Dakota State in 2007. Kemp returns to Moorhead with his wife Michelyn and their two children, Violet and Zander.
What They’re Saying…
“Jason Kemp is an excellent choice as MSUM’s next Head Basketball Coach. He is a tremendous person with a great family that will be a great part of the community as he was when he was an assistant at NDSU. He is a great coach with outstanding basketball knowledge and has learned under several great coaches. He is an excellent recruiter and treats his athletes with respect. He is more than ready to be a head coach and will enjoy a great deal of success.” – Gene Taylor, Director of Athletics, Kansas State University
“Jason Kemp is a rising star in the business and is a perfect fit to lead the MSUM program. His ability to build relationships has allowed him to connect with student-athletes at an elite level and make him a top recruiter in the sport. He has also proven during his career that he is terrific working with the community, other campus leaders, institutional donors and alums. There are no barriers that Jason can’t overcome, and I look forward to watching his continued success as a head coach.” – Dennis Gates, Head Basketball Coach, University of Missouri
“I think hiring Jason Kemp is a great move for MSUM. The Dragons have great momentum going and Jason has the ability and expertise to keep it going.” – Tim Miles, Head Basketball Coach, San Jose State University
“Being recruited by Coach Kemp was a joy and I am extremely grateful for being able to build that relationship over the years at Minnesota. He is an excellent coach who knows basketball, has the right intentions, and cares about his players and team’s success more than anything. I am still in close contact with him and will forever be able to lean on his guidance whenever necessary.” – Cam Christie, Los Angeles Clippers Guard, 2024 NBA Draft Pick
“What a great hire for MSU Moorhead! Jason is the ultimate professional and competitor. Having competed against each other for years, his teams will be well-prepared and play the right way. I couldn’t be more excited to follow the success of MSUM basketball for years to come.” Tony Jasick, Head Basketball Coach, Lincoln Memorial University
