Joe Madson finds ‘perfect timing’ in leaving Mankato East boys basketball

Joe Madson always knew he wanted to coach. He never knew how long the journey would last.

After 24 seasons leading the program, Madson recently resigned as Mankato East boys basketball coach. He remains as coach of the Cougars softball team and said he will decide if he remains in that position “at the end of the year.“

“I loved coaching at Mankato East for the past 32 years,” said Madson, who served as a boys basketball assistant coach under Dave Johnson before taking over as coach. “The program is in good shape with some good quality student-athletes coming, but I know it’s perfect timing to step away as the head coach.”

Madson, 58, compiled a career record of 450-227. He guided the Cougars to back-to-back Class 3A state tournament runner-up finishes the past two years. This year’s squad (29-2) had the highest winning percentage (.935) in school history.

His 450 victories rank 16th among active boys basketball coaches.

Madson’s youngest son, Brogan, was the senior leader on the 2024-25 team. The 6-1 guard, who will play collegiately at Division II Sioux Falls, finished as East’s career leader in points (1,782), assists (432) and steals (260).

”I want to follow my last son Brogan and his college career and be able to watch some of our other players who are currently playing collegiately as well,” Madson said.