Utah State University announced on March 30 the hiring of Ben Jacobson as its new head men’s basketball coach. Jacobson, who spent the past two decades at the University of Northern Iowa, becomes the 23rd head coach in program history.
The appointment comes as Utah State prepares to enter a new era in the Pac-12 Conference. University officials say that Jacobson brings a strong record of success and leadership to the team.
“Utah State is one of the country’s premier men’s basketball programs, and we needed a leader who embodies that tradition and is committed to building on our rich history,” said Cameron Walker, Utah State Vice President and Director of Athletics. “Ben is not only an exceptional person, but across the industry is regarded as one of the best coaches in the country. He will be a tremendous leader and builder of men for our program. As we enter the new Pac-12, it’s critical that our leader drives us to new heights. Ben shares that same passion and vision, and I am thrilled to welcome him and his wife, Dawn, to Cache Valley.”
Jacobson compiled a 397-259 record over 20 seasons at Northern Iowa, leading his teams to five NCAA Tournament appearances—including this year—and four tournament victories. His teams reached multiple top-25 national rankings and earned significant postseason wins such as advancing to the Sweet 16 in 2010 after defeating No.1-seeded Kansas.
Expressing gratitude for his new role, Jacobson said: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Utah State as it enters its next chapter in the Pac-12. I’m grateful to Cameron Walker for trusting me to lead such a historic program and to continue its tradition as one of the top men’s basketball programs in the West. I look forward to getting to know Aggie Nation and the HURD, and for my family to become part of Cache Valley and Logan community.”
Jacobson’s career includes being named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year five times—the first coach ever with that distinction—and mentoring numerous players who achieved conference honors both athletically and academically.
An introductory press conference will be held Tuesday morning at Maverik Stadium’s West Stadium Center third floor; it is open to members of both campus community and public.
Leaders from college athletics praised Jacobson’s coaching skills as well as his character: Purdue Head Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Painter called him “a truly remarkable person” while Penn Head Coach Fran McCaffery said he was confident Jacobson would do “an outstanding job at Utah State.” Others echoed these sentiments including former athletic director Bob Bowlsby; Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen; Nebraska Head Coach Fred Hoiberg; former UNI player John Little; and Creighton’s Greg McDermott.
