Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg Named AP Men's Basketball Coach of the Year

Hoiberg led the Cornhuskers to a breakthrough 28-win season and first NCAA Tournament win in 10 years.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:52am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Nebraska basketball game or celebration, with sharp geometric shapes in scarlet, cream, and dark colors representing the energy and excitement of the Cornhuskers' breakthrough season.Hoiberg's Huskers Reach New Heights with Sweet 16 RunLincoln Today

Fred Hoiberg of the University 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 represents a major milestone for Nebraska basketball, which had only reached the NCAA Tournament once in the 21 seasons prior to his arrival in 2019. His ability to build an exciting, defensive-minded roster and ignite fan enthusiasm has transformed the Cornhuskers into a force in the rugged Big Ten conference.

The details

In Hoiberg's first two seasons, Nebraska went a combined 7-45. But he laid the foundation for success, and the Cornhuskers broke through in 2024 with a 23-11 record and NCAA Tournament appearance. This season, Nebraska matched the school record with 26 wins, including a school-record 15 in Big Ten play, before earning its first March Madness victory in nine all-time tries. The Cornhuskers' run ended with a loss to Iowa in the Sweet 16.

  • Nebraska went to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years in 2024.
  • This season, Nebraska matched the school record with 26 wins, including a school-record 15 in Big Ten play.
  • Nebraska posted its first March Madness win in nine all-time tries with a 76-47 victory over Troy before losing to Iowa in the Sweet 16.

The players

Fred Hoiberg

The head coach of the University of Nebraska men's basketball team. Hoiberg's grandfather, Jerry Bush, was Nebraska's head coach from 1953-63, and his other grandfather taught at the school for 30 years. Hoiberg was born in Lincoln and both of his parents are Nebraska graduates.

Pryce Sandfort

A sharpshooting Iowa transfer who was a key player for the Cornhuskers this season.

Rienk Mast

A versatile Dutch big man who contributed to Nebraska's success.

Sam Hoiberg

The senior point guard and Fred Hoiberg's son.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who finished runner-up to Hoiberg in the AP coach of the year voting.

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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, University of 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, University of Nebraska

“This place means a lot to me.”

— Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, University of Nebraska

What’s next

Hoiberg and the Cornhuskers will look to build on their breakthrough season and continue their ascent in the Big Ten and national rankings next year.

The takeaway

Fred Hoiberg's AP Coach of the Year award is a testament to his ability to transform Nebraska basketball into a competitive force, tapping into the program's deep local roots and igniting fan enthusiasm for an exciting, defensive-minded team that reached new heights this season.