Keil Ganz Named NMU Men's Basketball Head Coach

Ganz returns to Marquette after one season at UWGB

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of the sport.Ganz's hiring signals a new era for Northern Michigan basketball, built on the program's recent success and his deep understanding of the team and community.Marquette Today

Northern Michigan University has named Keil Ganz as its new head men's basketball coach. Ganz previously served as an assistant and associate head coach with the Wildcats, helping lead the team to a GLIAC regular season championship, conference tournament title, and NCAA Tournament berth. He spent the 2025-26 season as an assistant at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, where he was part of a major program turnaround.

Why it matters

Ganz's hiring represents a homecoming for the experienced coach, who is familiar with the NMU program and community. His previous success in Marquette, combined with his track record of developing talent and building winning cultures, make him an exciting choice to lead the Wildcats and continue the program's recent momentum.

The details

Ganz takes over the NMU men's basketball program after the departure of former head coach Matt Majkrzak, who accepted a position at Northern Illinois University. Ganz previously served as an assistant and associate head coach for the Wildcats, helping the team capture its first GLIAC regular season championship in 31 years, host the conference tournament for the first time, and earn an NCAA Tournament berth as the No. 4 seed. The Wildcats also won the 2025 GLIAC Tournament Championship and produced a GLIAC Player of the Year during Ganz's time on staff.

  • Ganz spent the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.
  • Ganz previously served as an associate head coach for Northern Michigan University during the 2024-25 season and as an assistant coach in 2023-24, following an earlier stop in 2019-20.

The players

Keil Ganz

The new head men's basketball coach at Northern Michigan University, who previously served as an assistant and associate head coach with the Wildcats program.

Matt Majkrzak

The former head coach of the Northern Michigan University men's basketball team, who accepted a position at Northern Illinois University after seven seasons leading the Wildcats.

Rick Comley

The athletic director at Northern Michigan University, who announced Ganz's hiring as the new head men's basketball coach.

Doug Gottlieb

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay men's basketball team, who praised Ganz's coaching abilities and mentorship of young players.

Brian Barone

The head coach of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's basketball team, who highlighted Ganz's dedication, leadership, and ability to build a winning culture.

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What they’re saying

“Keil was a home run hire for NMU. Keil was a driving force in everything we accomplished the last seven years. I'm extremely confident he will help the program keep taking steps forward to be a power regionally and nationally. I'm so happy for both Keil and NMU! Go Cats!”

— Matt Majkrzak, Northern Illinois Head Coach

“Keil is going to absolutely kill it at Northern Michigan. From the moment we met, I have been impressed by his knowledge and passion for Northern Michigan basketball. Working with me for the past year I have been blown away by how incredible a coach and mentor he is for our young men. Northern Michigan is in incredible hands”

— Doug Gottlieb, Green Bay Head Coach

“I am extremely proud of Keil Ganz and this opportunity at Northern Michigan University. Keil is a tireless worker, a big time leader, and someone who truly understands how to build a winning culture the right way. He's earned this moment through years of dedication to his craft and to the players he's coached. I have no doubt he's ready to lead a program and make an immediate impact-he absolutely deserves to be a head coach. Loyalty is thrown around in this business often. Keil is someone who absolutely deserves the honor of being called loyal.”

— Brian Barone, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Coach

What’s next

Details regarding an introductory press conference for Keil Ganz will be announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

Ganz's return to Northern Michigan University as the new head men's basketball coach represents a homecoming for an experienced and successful coach who is well-equipped to build on the program's recent achievements and continue its upward trajectory.