Utah State Appoints Ben Jacobson as New Head Coach
Ben Jacobson has been appointed as the new head coach of Utah State, marking a significant transition for the program. This announcement came on March 30, 2026, confirming Jacobson’s five-year deal with the university.
Ben Jacobson’s Tenure at Northern Iowa
Prior to joining Utah State, Jacobson spent 20 successful years at Northern Iowa. During his tenure, he led the team to five NCAA tournament appearances and achieved an impressive record of 397 wins. His coaching career at Northern Iowa is particularly remembered for the 2010 NCAA tournament, where his team, as a No. 9 seed, upset the No. 1 seed Kansas, advancing to the Sweet 16.
Utah State’s Recent Success
The hiring of Jacobson highlights Utah State’s commitment to maintaining its basketball program’s recent success. The Aggies have reached the NCAA tournament six times in the last seven seasons. This remarkable achievement has involved four different coaches: Craig Smith, Ryan Odom, Danny Sprinkle, and Jerrod Calhoun. All have enjoyed success, transitioning to more prominent coaching positions.
Coaching Changes and Future Prospects
- Jerrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati earlier this month, creating a vacancy.
- Utah State is poised to use the nearly $4 million in buyout money from Calhoun’s contract to foster competitive growth.
- The university aims to excel in the Pac-12, which is gaining prominence with teams like Gonzaga and San Diego State showcasing strong performances.
Jacobson’s Appeal and Future at Utah State
Cameron Walker, the new athletic director at Utah State, is making significant moves in the basketball program since joining in September. Jacobson’s decision to join Utah State marks a change, as he had previously received interest from other programs but remained loyal to Northern Iowa.
Impact on Northern Iowa
Jacobson’s departure is a considerable loss for Northern Iowa. The program averaged nearly 20 wins per season under his leadership and secured four regular-season championships. His legacy as a cornerstone of Midwest basketball is firmly established.
In summary, Ben Jacobson’s appointment as Utah State’s head coach signifies a new era for both him and the university’s basketball program, promising further achievements on the national stage.
