Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ben Jacobson

Discover the career path of Ben Jacobson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ben Jacobson is an American basketball coach, currently the head coach at Utah State University since 2026. Before this role, he was the head coach at the University of Northern Iowa from 2006 to 2026. Prior to becoming a head coach, Jacobson served as an assistant coach at North Dakota, North Dakota State, and Northern Iowa, gaining experience before taking the helm at Northern Iowa in 2006.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Panthers Top Assistant Coach

In 2001, Jacobson became the Panthers' top assistant coach, playing a key role in the team's development.

2004: NCAA Tournament

In 2004, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament.

2005: NCAA Tournament

In 2005, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament.

2006: Head Coach at University of Northern Iowa

In 2006, Ben Jacobson became the head coach at University of Northern Iowa.

2006: NCAA Tournament and Top-25 Ranking

In 2006, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament and achieved its first-ever Division I top-25 ranking.

August 2007: Team USA at World University Games

In August 2007, Jacobson coached UNI as it represented the United States at the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand, going 5–1 in the tournament.

2009: Sweet Sixteen Run

In 2009, Jacobson's Panthers made a run into the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, upsetting top national seed Kansas.

2009: NCAA Tournament

In 2009, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament.

March 2010: Contract Extension with UNI

In March 2010, Jacobson signed a 10-year extension with UNI, guaranteeing him $450,000 a year with annual increases of $25,000.

2010: NCAA Tournament

In 2010, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament.

2010: Continued Success with the Panthers

In the 2010 season, Jacobson led the Panthers to their eighth consecutive 18-plus win season, third straight postseason bid and a Valley-leading third straight 20-plus win season.

November 15, 2014: All-Time Win Leader

On November 15, 2014, Ben Jacobson became the all-time win leader for a coach in UNI Men's basketball history, recording his 167th UNI victory.

2014: Highest Ranking in School History

In the 2014 season, Jacobson led the Panthers to their highest ranking in school history (#10 in AP and #9 in Coaches Poll) and achieved the most wins in school's history with 31.

November 21, 2015: Victory Over #1 North Carolina

On November 21, 2015, Jacobson led UNI to a victory over #1 North Carolina.

2015: NCAA Tournament

In 2015, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament.

March 6, 2016: MVC Tournament Win

On March 6, 2016, UNI won its fourth MVC tournament under Jacobson.

2016: NCAA Tournament

In 2016, UNI advanced to the NCAA tournament.

March 1, 2018: 250th Career Win

On March 1, 2018, Jacobson notched his 250th Northern Iowa career win against Evansville in the first round of the MVC tournament.

March 5, 2020: MVC Coach of the Year

On March 5, 2020, Ben Jacobson was named MVC coach of the year.

February 27, 2021: 300th Career Victory

On February 27, 2021, Ben Jacobson earned his 300th career Northern Iowa victory with a double overtime win over Illinois State.

March 3, 2022: MVC Coach of the Year Award

On March 3, 2022, Jacobson was named the MVC coach of the year for the 5th time, giving him the most coach of the year award honors in the 115-year history of Missouri Valley Conference.

January 20, 2024: All-Time Conference Wins Leader

On January 20, 2024, Jacobson became the all-time conference wins leader (188) in Missouri Valley Conference history with a victory over rival Southern Illinois.