The numbers
Ben Jacobson has been hired as the 23rd head coach of the men’s basketball program at Utah State, marking a significant transition for the team as it prepares to enter the Pac-12 Conference. Jacobson, who spent two decades at the University of Northern Iowa, boasts an impressive overall record of 397 wins against 259 losses, averaging 19.8 wins per season.
During his tenure at Northern Iowa, Jacobson’s teams made five NCAA Tournament appearances and achieved notable success, including a memorable run to the Sweet 16 in 2010, where they shocked the basketball world by defeating the No. 1 seed Kansas. His leadership has not only been marked by wins but also by the development of nearly two dozen players who went on to play professionally.
Jacobson’s accolades include being the all-time leader in conference wins with 220 in the Missouri Valley Conference and earning the title of Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year five times. His teams also secured four regular-season championships, establishing a dominant program during his time at Northern Iowa.
In welcoming Jacobson, Cameron Walker, a representative from Utah State, expressed confidence in his leadership, stating, “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.” This sentiment reflects the high expectations placed on Jacobson as he steps into this new role.
Jacobson himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Utah State as it enters its next chapter in the Pac-12.” His commitment to fostering a successful program is evident, and observers are eager to see how he will adapt his coaching strategies to meet the challenges of a new conference.
As a native of Mayville, North Dakota, Jacobson graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He and his wife, Dawn, have two children, Hunter and Tanner, and his family is expected to play a supportive role as he embarks on this new journey.
While Jacobson’s track record speaks volumes about his capabilities, the transition to a new program always comes with uncertainties. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his immediate plans for the team and how he intends to build upon the existing framework at Utah State. However, his reputation as an exceptional coach and a remarkable person precedes him, and the basketball community is keenly watching his next moves.