The University of Minnesota Duluth men's basketball program has hired Joe Kramer as its next assistant coach.

Kramer joins the Bulldogs after serving as the lead assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Since elevating to the position in the 2024-25 season, the Yellowjackets have ranked as the No. 1 scoring defense in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). As the lead assistant coach, he mentored four players to the UMAC All-Conference and All-Defensive team, helped by his talents in skill development, scouting, and offensive/defensive scheming.

"Joe's experience as a top assistant and his experience at multiple levels were a key focus in this hire and will be a huge asset to our program," said head coach Justin Wieck. "Joe is a grinder and is connected in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which is our primary recruiting territory.  We're excited to add Joe to our program!"

Kramer's coaching career began in 2020 with the UW-Superior Yellowjackets, culminating in helping the program to its first-ever UMAC Tournament Championship in the 2022-23 season. He then spent the 2023-24 season with the University of South Dakota as the assistant coach and director of scouting and video before returning to the University of Wisconsin Superior in 2023

"I am thankful and excited for the opportunity to learn and work with Coach Wieck and his staff," said newly hired assistant coach Joe Kramer. "It is a privilege to be a part of the Bulldog community. I am looking forward to contributing in any way I can to a program with a great culture and tradition of success." 

A native of Elk River, Minnesota, Kramer began his collegiate playing career at NAIA William Penn, prior to transferring to UW-Superior.  Kramer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Sports Management.