Northern Iowa Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ben Jacobson has signed a contract extension, announced by the athletic department Monday. A five-year rolling contract, the extension ensures Jacobson will remain in the role for the long term future as he enters his 20th season.
Jacobson is the winningest coach in program history with 374 victories and a .605 career winning percentage. Northern Iowa has captured four MVC regular season championships and four conference tournament titles during Jacobson’s tenure.
The Panthers have made nine postseason appearances under Jacobson’s leadership, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament, three appearances in the National Invitation Tournament, and two CollegeInsider.com Tournament berths.
Northern Iowa has recorded ten seasons with at least 20 wins under Jacobson, including a school record 31 victories during 2015-16. During the 2023-24 season, Jacobson set a new MVC record by passing Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame coach Henry P. Iba for the most conference wins in league history, entering the upcoming season with 209 MVC victories.
Jacobson joined the Panther staff in 2001 under Greg McDermott, was named the associate head coach for the 2005-2006 season, and was named the head coach on March 22, 2006.
