Fred Hoiberg Named AP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year After Historic Nebraska Season

Fred Hoiberg, head coach of Nebraska's men’s basketball team, was named The Associated Press men’s basketball coach of the year on Friday, following a standout 28-win season that saw the Cornhuskers secure their first NCAA Tournament victory and a trip to the Sweet 16.

Hoiberg received 17 out of 61 votes from a national media panel, edging out Duke's Jon Scheyer, who received 13 votes, and Arizona's Tommy Lloyd, who garnered 11. This marks the first time a Big Ten coach has earned the national honor since Michigan’s Juwan Howard in 2021.

Under Hoiberg’s leadership, the Cornhuskers set new records, including 15 conference wins in the Big Ten and tying the school record for most victories in a season before the NCAA Tournament began. The team’s 76-47 win over Troy marked Nebraska's first NCAA Tournament triumph in nine attempts, according to AP polling and tournament records.

Hoiberg, who was born in Lincoln and has deep family ties to the university, emphasized the importance of building the right roster and fan support in revitalizing the program. The Cornhuskers, once known primarily for football, captured unprecedented attention on the basketball court this year. Pryce Sandfort, Rienk Mast, and point guard Sam Hoiberg—Fred’s son—were central to the team’s success and propelled Nebraska to its highest-ever AP Top 25 ranking at No. 5.

The AP coach of the year award was determined prior to the NCAA Tournament. Nebraska’s run concluded with a loss to Iowa in the Sweet 16, but the achievement marks a pivotal moment for the program and Hoiberg’s coaching career. As of Friday, Hoiberg’s win is seen as a turning point for Nebraska basketball, with further developments to be followed as the program looks ahead to next season.