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Kennesaw Today
By the People, for the People
Nebraska Basketball Turnaround Led by 'The Mayor' and Son
After years of struggles, the Cornhuskers have become a March Madness contender.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:23am
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Sam Hoiberg, the son of former Nebraska head coach Fred 'The Mayor' Hoiberg, watched the Cornhuskers struggle through a dismal 15-1 stretch in late 2021 and early 2022. But under the leadership of Fred and Sam, Nebraska has turned its basketball program around and is now a March Madness contender.
Why it matters
Nebraska basketball has long been an afterthought, but the Hoibergs have helped revive interest and excitement around the program. Their turnaround story is an inspiring example of how strong coaching and player development can transform a struggling team into a contender.
The details
After taking over as head coach in 2019, Fred 'The Mayor' Hoiberg and his son Sam, an assistant coach, worked to rebuild the Nebraska basketball program from the ground up. They focused on player development, instilling a winning culture, and recruiting top talent to Lincoln. The hard work paid off, as the Cornhuskers went from a 15-1 stretch of losses to becoming a March Madness contender.
- Between December 1, 2021 and February 5, 2022, Nebraska lost 15 of 16 games.
- In 2019, Fred Hoiberg took over as Nebraska's head coach.
The players
Fred 'The Mayor' Hoiberg
The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball team who, along with his son Sam, has led the program's turnaround.
Sam Hoiberg
An assistant coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the son of head coach Fred 'The Mayor' Hoiberg.
What they’re saying
“I didn't blame them if they didn't show up”
— Sam Hoiberg, Assistant Coach
What’s next
Nebraska will look to continue its strong play and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, which would be the program's first March Madness appearance since 2014.
The takeaway
The Hoiberg family's dedication to rebuilding the Nebraska basketball program has paid off, transforming the Cornhuskers from a struggling team to a March Madness contender. Their inspiring turnaround story demonstrates the power of strong coaching and player development in reviving a once-dormant program.
