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Utah State hires Ben Jacobson as head coach

PUBLISHED Mar 30, 2026, 11:27 AM ET

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LOGAN, Utah — Utah State announced Monday that it has agreed to hire Ben Jacobson, the longtime Northern Iowa head coach, on a five-year contract after multiple reports surfaced March 30 that Jacobson would leave Northern Iowa following a 20-year tenure to lead the Aggies. The hire succeeds Jerrod Calhoun, who left for Cincinnati, and aims to bring continuity as Utah State prepares to join the Pac-12 on July 1; Jacobson’s record and five NCAA Tournament appearances were cited by university officials and his staff during the announcement this week.

By Mahnoor A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2006: Ben Jacobson becomes Northern Iowa head coach.
2010: Jacobson leads Northern Iowa to the NCAA Sweet 16.
March 30, 2026: Multiple reports indicate Jacobson agreed to terms with Utah State.
Late March 2026: Utah State announces a five-year deal; Jerrod Calhoun had departed for Cincinnati.
July 1, 2026: Utah State is scheduled to join the expanded Pac-12 Conference.

News Intelligence

Jacobson's move to Utah State could shake up the Pac-
1
He's known for turning teams around. If you're a sports fan, this could mean more competitive games and potential upsets. Keep an eye on Utah State's performance this coming season.

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Who Benefited

Utah State's athletic department, coaches, and future recruiting efforts benefit from hiring an experienced coach with a long record at Northern Iowa and alignment with the program’s move into the Pac-12.

Who Impacted

Northern Iowa loses a long-tenured leader, creating disruption for its players, staff and local community while prompting a search for long-term program stability.