Fred Hoiberg named AP Coach of Year after Nebraska's record 28 wins

Fred Hoiberg won the AP Coach of the Year award after Nebraska's basketball team won 28 games, which is more wins than ever before.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Coaching Honor Follows Program's Best Year

Fred Hoiberg, head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team, has been named the Associated Press (AP) Coach of the Year. This accolade comes on the heels of a "breakthrough season" for the program, marked by a record 28 wins.

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The recognition arrives after Nebraska achieved its first NCAA Tournament victory and advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. The voting for the AP award was conducted prior to the NCAA Tournament.

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Notable Achievements and Context

Hoiberg's tenure saw Nebraska achieve a program-best 28 wins overall, alongside a school-record 15 conference wins. The team also secured seven conference road wins, an unprecedented mark for the program. This historic season included NCAA Tournament wins against Troy and No. 16 ranked Vanderbilt.

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The Cornhuskers’ success also translated to program highs in national rankings, reaching their highest AP ranking ever at No. 5 and spending eight weeks within the top 10.

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Historical Significance and Other Honors

This AP Coach of the Year award marks a significant moment for Nebraska athletics. Hoiberg is the first men's basketball coach in program history to receive this particular honor. It is the second time overall that a Nebraska coach has been recognized with an AP National Coach of the Year award, with Women's Basketball Coach Connie Yori receiving the honor in the 2009-10 season.

Hoiberg is slated to receive the award in Indianapolis during the Final Four weekend. He has also been named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the second time and remains a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year award.

Background

Hoiberg, a native of Lincoln and a graduate of Nebraska himself, guided the Cornhuskers to a 28-7 record in the 2025-26 season. Prior to his time at Nebraska, Hoiberg played at Iowa State and had a 10-year NBA career. He previously coached at his alma mater, Iowa State, leading them to four consecutive NCAA Tournaments. Arizona's Tommy Lloyd reportedly received 11 votes in the AP Coach of the Year balloting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Fred Hoiberg win the AP Coach of the Year award for 2025-26?
Fred Hoiberg won the AP Coach of the Year award because he led the Nebraska Cornhuskers men's basketball team to a record 28 wins in the 2025-26 season. This was the team's best year ever.
Q: What records did Fred Hoiberg's Nebraska team break?
Fred Hoiberg's team set new records with 28 total wins and 15 conference wins. They also won a program-best seven conference road games and reached the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time.
Q: How high did Nebraska rank nationally under Coach Hoiberg?
The Nebraska Cornhuskers reached their highest ever AP ranking at No. 5. They also stayed in the top 10 for eight weeks during the historic 2025-26 season.
Q: Is Fred Hoiberg the first Nebraska coach to get this award?
Yes, Fred Hoiberg is the first men's basketball coach in Nebraska's history to win the AP Coach of the Year award. Connie Yori, the women's coach, won it before.
Q: When and where will Fred Hoiberg receive his AP Coach of the Year award?
Fred Hoiberg is expected to receive his AP Coach of the Year award in Indianapolis. This will happen during the Final Four weekend of the NCAA Tournament.