Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg Named AP Coach of the Year After Breakthrough Season

Hoiberg led the Cornhuskers to a 28-win season, their first NCAA Tournament win, and a Sweet 16 appearance.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:41pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a Nebraska basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of red, white, and black conveying the energy and excitement of the team's breakthrough season.Hoiberg's innovative coaching has transformed Nebraska basketball into a must-watch program, shattering expectations and igniting the Cornhuskers' passionate fanbase.Lincoln Today

Fred Hoiberg of Nebraska was named The Associated Press men's basketball coach of the year on Friday following a 28-win season that included the Cornhuskers' first NCAA Tournament win and a run to the Sweet 16. Hoiberg received 17 votes from a 61-person media panel, edging out Duke's Jon Scheyer and Arizona's Tommy Lloyd.

Why it matters

Hoiberg's award marks the first time a Big Ten coach has been named national coach of the year since Michigan's Juwan Howard in 2021. It also highlights Nebraska's emergence as a basketball powerhouse, overturning the perception of the school as solely a football program.

The details

Hoiberg built an exciting roster that played lockdown defense and ignited the Big Red fanbase. Nebraska matched the school record of 26 wins before the NCAA Tournament and had a school-record 15 wins in the tough Big Ten. In the tournament, the Cornhuskers posted their first March Madness win in nine all-time tries before falling to Iowa in the Sweet 16.

  • Nebraska went to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years in 2024.
  • This season, the Cornhuskers matched the school record of 26 wins before the NCAA Tournament.
  • Nebraska had a school-record 15 wins in the rugged Big Ten this season.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team. Hoiberg was born in Lincoln and has deep roots in the state, with his grandfather Jerry Bush having coached the Cornhuskers from 1953-63.

Pryce Sandfort

A sharpshooting Iowa transfer who was a key player on the Cornhuskers' roster this season.

Rienk Mast

A versatile Dutch big man who was another important contributor for Nebraska.

Sam Hoiberg

The senior point guard and Fred Hoiberg's son.

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What they’re saying

“It took us some time to get here, but it was all about getting the right players in here, especially the ones that the fans could get behind.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska

“When the sting does wear off, which it will at some point — maybe — these guys deserve a lot of credit for what they have done for Nebraska basketball.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska

“This place means a lot to me.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Nebraska

What’s next

Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers will look to build on their successful season and make another deep run in the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Fred Hoiberg's AP Coach of the Year award recognizes Nebraska's emergence as a basketball powerhouse, overturning the perception of the school as solely a football program. Hoiberg's ability to build an exciting, defensive-minded roster and ignite the Big Red fanbase has transformed the Cornhuskers into a March Madness contender.