What's Happening?
Utah State University is set to hire Ben Jacobson, the current head coach of Northern Iowa, as their new men's basketball coach. Jacobson, who has been with Northern Iowa for 20 years, will succeed Jerrod Calhoun, who recently left to coach at Cincinnati.
Jacobson has a notable record, having led Northern Iowa to the NCAA Tournament five times, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2010. He is finalizing a five-year deal with Utah State, which is transitioning from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 Conference next season. Jacobson's appointment marks the fifth head coach change for Utah State since 2020.
Why It's Important?
The hiring of Ben Jacobson is significant for Utah State as it prepares to join the Pac-12 Conference, a move that will elevate the program's profile and competitiveness. Jacobson's extensive experience and successful track record at Northern Iowa make him a valuable asset for Utah State, which aims to strengthen its basketball program. His leadership could enhance the team's performance, attract new talent, and increase the university's visibility in collegiate sports. This transition also reflects the broader trend of conference realignments in college athletics, which can have substantial impacts on recruitment, funding, and media rights.
