Ben Jacobson receives extension as UNI head men’s basketball coach

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- University of Northern Iowa Director of Athletics Megan Franklin on Monday announced an extension for head men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson.

As the program prepares for its 125th anniversary season in 2025-26, the five-year rolling contract will keep the five-time Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Coach of the Year in Cedar Falls for the long term future.

"Ben Jacobson has rewritten the history books in a career highlighted by championships, shining moments and mentoring young leaders," explained Franklin. "He has chosen to build his legacy career by leading UNI men's basketball for nearly two decades."

"This contract re-design celebrates his commitment and contributions," Franklin added. "It was important that the contract also reflects the commitment of the university to support and implement his vision for the UNI men's basketball program. The Legacy Era of Panther Athletics highlights those individuals leaving their legacy mark at the University of Northern Iowa. This contract does just that in celebrating a legacy of leadership under Coach Jacobson.

Jacobson, who is entering his 20th season at the helm of the program, is the winningest coach in team history with 374 victories and a .605 career winning percentage. Northern Iowa has captured four MVC regular season championships (2009, 2010, 2020, 2022) and four conference tournament titles (2009, 2010, 2015, 2016).

The Panthers have made nine postseason appearances under Jacobson's leadership, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament (2009, 2010, 2015, 2016), three appearances in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 2012, 2022 and 2025, as well as two CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) berths (2011, 2013).

"Entering his 20th season leading our men's basketball team, Ben Jacobson is the personification of what it means to be a Panther," said UNI President Mark Nook. "He not only led the University of Northern Iowa men's basketball program to conference championships and NCAA Tournaments, but helped shape the lives of countless young men during their college years. Coach Jacobson leads with class and puts a special emphasis on academic success.

"He is committed to the personal growth for his players and staff, encouraging them to build strong senses of responsibility and commitment to their community," Nook added. "We look forward to many more seasons of Panther men's basketball under Ben's leadership."

Jacobson is the only coach in MVC history to record two wins over AP No. 1 ranked teams, defeating top-ranked Kansas to send the Panthers to the Sweet Sixteen during the 2010 NCAA Tournament, as well as No. 1 North Carolina inside the McLeod Center in Nov. 2015.

Northern Iowa has recorded ten seasons with at least 20 wins under Jacobson, including a school record 31 victories during the 2015-16 campaign. During the 2023-24 season, Jacobson set a new MVC record by passing Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach Henry P. Iba for the most conference only wins in league history, entering this coming season with 209 MVC only victories. Jacobson's 374 all-time wins are second only to Iba in the 119-year history of the MVC, while his 19-year career at UNI makes him the second-longest tenured head coach in league history.

Three different Panthers have collected the MVC's Larry Bird Player of the Year Award with Jacobson at the helm, including Adam Koch (2010), Seth Tuttle (2015) and AJ Green (2020, 2022). UNI has also produced five MVC Scholar-Athletes of the Year winners in Koch (2010), Nate Buss (2015) and Green (2020, 2022). Additionally, Koch and Cael Schmitt also received NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships.

"I am both excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead our men's basketball program," said Jacobson. "I want to thank President Nook for his leadership, support and confidence in me and our staff. President Nook and his wife Cheryl have been terrific supporters of our athletic department."

"I also want to thank Director of Athletics Megan Franklin," Jacobson added. "We are in the midst of big changes across the college athletics landscape. Megan has a unique perspective, bold vision and the determination to position Panther Athletics for great success. I couldn't be more excited to work closely with her as the leader of our men's basketball program."

"Our players, assistant coaches, student managers and Panther Nation have made our program a special place," Jacobson explained. "I want to thank each of them for their contributions and tireless work over all these years. This contract is reflective of the care, pride and passion they have for Panther Basketball. We look forward to doing great things together for years to come."

Jacobson was named the 21st head coach of the UNI men's basketball program on March 22, 2006. He was originally hired to the Panther staff in 2001 by then-head coach Greg McDermott and promoted to Associate Head Coach for the 2005-06 season.

A Mayville, North Dakota native, Jacobson was a four-year letterwinner and two-year captain at North Dakota where he became the program's all-time leader in assists with two conference championships and four NCAA Division II regional tournament appearances before graduating with a degree in physical education. After spending the 1993-94 season as a student assistant and two years as a graduate assistant at North Dakota, he joined the Sioux's full-time staff from 1996 to 2000 before joining the North Dakota State staff as an assistant coach for the 2000-01 season.

Jacobson resides in Cedar Falls with his wife, Dawn and have two sons, Hunter and Tanner.

JACOBSON'S ACCOLADES (ALL AT UNI)

374-246 career record (.605 winning percentage)
209-139 MVC record (.600 winning percentage)
Second-winningest coach in MVC history
MVC all-time leader in conference only wins
Second-longest tenured head coach in MVC history
Five-time MVC Coach of the Year (2009, 2010, 2015, 2020, 2022)
Four NCAA Tournament appearances (2009, 2010, 2015, 2016)
Four MVC regular season championships (2009, 2010, 2020, 2022)
Four MVC Tournament championships (2009, 2010, 2015, 2016)
Three NIT appearances (2012, 2022, 2025)
Two CIT appearances (2011, 2013)
Two wins over AP No. 1 ranked teams (Kansas, 2010 | North Carolina, 2015)

JACOBSON'S CAREER PATH

2006-Present: University of Northern Iowa (Head Coach)
2005-06: University of Northern Iowa (Associate Head Coach)
2001-05: University of Northern Iowa (Assistant Coach)
2000-01: North Dakota State University (Assistant Coach)
1996-00: University of North Dakota (Assistant Coach)
1994-96: University of North Dakota (Graduate Assistant)
1993-94: University of North Dakota (Student Assistant)

UNI men's basketball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Men's Basketball), X (@UNImbb) and on Instagram (@uni_basketball). The schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.

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