Utah State Hires Northern Iowa's Ben Jacobson

Jacobson replaces Jerrod Calhoun, who left for Cincinnati after two seasons with the Aggies.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:25am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the transition and transformation of the Utah State Aggies program.The hiring of renowned coach Ben Jacobson signals a new era of ambition and innovation for the Utah State Aggies as they transition to the Pac-12 Conference.Logan Today

Utah State University has announced the hiring of Ben Jacobson as its new head men's basketball coach. Jacobson, who has coached at Northern Iowa for the past 20 seasons, will be tasked with leading the Aggies as they transition to the Pac-12 Conference next season.

Why it matters

Jacobson is considered one of the top coaches in the country, having led Northern Iowa to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2010. His hiring represents Utah State's commitment to building a premier men's basketball program as it enters a new conference.

The details

Jacobson, 55, has compiled a 397-259 record at Northern Iowa and will be signing a five-year deal with Utah State. He replaces Jerrod Calhoun, who departed last week to become the head coach at the University of Cincinnati after guiding the Aggies to a 55-15 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances in his two seasons.

  • Jacobson has coached at Northern Iowa for the past 20 seasons.
  • Calhoun left Utah State last week to take the head coaching job at Cincinnati.
  • Utah State will be moving from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 Conference next season.

The players

Ben Jacobson

The new head coach of the Utah State Aggies men's basketball team, who previously spent 20 seasons as the head coach at Northern Iowa.

Jerrod Calhoun

The former head coach of the Utah State Aggies, who departed last week to become the head coach at the University of Cincinnati.

Cameron Walker

The athletic director at Utah State University, who announced the hiring of Ben Jacobson as the new head coach of the Aggies' men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Utah State is one of the country's premier men's basketball programs, and we needed a leader who embodies that tradition and is committed to building on our rich history. Ben is not only an exceptional person, but across the industry is regarded as one of the best coaches in the country. He will be a tremendous leader and builder of men for our program. As we enter the new Pac-12, it's critical that our leader drives us to new heights. Ben shares that same passion and vision, and I am thrilled to welcome him and his wife, Dawn, to Cache Valley.”

— Cameron Walker, Utah State Athletic Director

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to join Utah State as it enters its next chapter in the Pac-12. I'm grateful to Cameron Walker for trusting me to lead such a historic program and to continue its tradition as one of the top men's basketball programs in the West. I look forward to getting to know Aggie Nation and the HURD, and for my family to become part of the Cache Valley and Logan community.”

— Ben Jacobson

What’s next

Jacobson will begin his tenure as Utah State's head coach as the Aggies transition to the Pac-12 Conference next season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Ben Jacobson, a highly respected coach with a track record of success, signals Utah State's commitment to building a premier men's basketball program as it enters a new era in the Pac-12 Conference. Jacobson's experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the Aggies to new heights in the years to come.