Northern Illinois Hires Matt Majkrzak as New Head Coach

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Northern Illinois University has hired Matt Majkrzak as their new head coach, according to multiple reports. Majkrzak spent the last seven seasons as the head coach at Northern Michigan University, where he compiled a 136-73 record and led the Wildcats to four consecutive Division II NCAA Tournament appearances.

Why it matters

The hiring of Majkrzak represents a significant move for the Northern Illinois basketball program, which is looking to turn things around after a 9-21 season in 2022-23. Majkrzak's track record of success at the Division II level suggests he could be the right person to help the Huskies become more competitive in their new Horizon League conference.

The details

Majkrzak, a two-time Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, will replace Rashon Burno, who was fired on March 7 following the Huskies' disappointing 9-21 season. Northern Illinois is set to join the Horizon League for most of its sports later this year, ending a 29-year run in the Mid-American Conference.

• Majkrzak spent the last seven seasons as the head coach at Northern Michigan University.
• Northern Michigan's season ended on Sunday, March 15, 2026 with an 86-68 loss to Walsh in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
• Rashon Burno was fired as Northern Illinois' head coach on March 7, 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.