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Cedar Falls Today
By the People, for the People
UNI Basketball Seeks New Coach After Jacobson's Departure
Seven candidates with local ties emerge as potential replacements
Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:59am
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The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is searching for a new men's basketball coach after the recent departure of longtime head coach Ben Jacobson. Several candidates with strong connections to UNI and the Cedar Falls community have emerged as potential replacements.
Why it matters
UNI's men's basketball program has been a point of pride for the Cedar Falls community, and the next head coach will be tasked with continuing the team's success and maintaining its status as a regional powerhouse. The selection of the new coach will be closely watched by UNI alumni, students, and local fans.
The details
Jacobson had been the head coach of the UNI men's basketball team for the past 18 seasons, leading the Panthers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and establishing the program as a consistent contender in the Missouri Valley Conference. His departure has left a void that the university is now looking to fill with a candidate who can build on the team's recent success.
- Ben Jacobson stepped down as UNI's head basketball coach in March 2026.
The players
Ben Jacobson
The former head coach of the UNI men's basketball team, who had been with the program for 18 seasons.
Megan Franklin
The athletic director at the University of Northern Iowa, who is leading the search for the program's next head coach.
What they’re saying
“We are looking for a coach who can continue the winning tradition and community engagement that has defined UNI basketball.”
— Megan Franklin, Athletic Director, University of Northern Iowa
What’s next
The university plans to conduct a thorough search process and hopes to have a new head coach in place by the start of the 2026-27 season.
The takeaway
The selection of the next UNI men's basketball coach will be a crucial decision for the university and the Cedar Falls community, as they seek to maintain the program's success and continue to build on its strong local ties.
