Nebraska's new Head Coach Fred Hoiberg: A profile

Tim Miles and the Nebraska Cornhuskers made an impressive Big 10 tournament run, but Miles was let go last earlier this week. Lincoln native Fred Hoiberg has been hired to replace Miles and is finally back in college basketball. Previously of Iowa State and the Chicago Bulls, The Mayor comes back home to coach his dream job.

Here is what Nebraska fans can expect from Hoiberg

Head Coaching Experience

Iowa State (2010-2015)

Hoiberg was hired by his alma mater in 2010, replacing Greg McDermott. After a slow opening 16-16 2010-2011 season, the Cyclones and Hoiberg stepped it up in 2011-2012. They finished with a 23-12 record overall, while going 12-6 in the Big 12. Not only was this the school’s first tournament appearance since 2005, if was also the first time they cracked the AP Top 25 rankings. Iowa State made three consecutive NCAA tournaments after the 2012 season. Hoiberg turned Iowa State basketball one into the most dangerous teams in the country, but could not stay away from the NBA.

Chicago Bulls (2015-2018)

Hoiberg did not have the best stint as an NBA Coach. Career record of 115-155, the Bulls only made the playoffs once in the three full seasons he was in charge. When they did make the playoffs, they were the eight seed and eliminated by the Boston Celtics. After going up 2-0 in the series, Chicago lost four in a row by nearly fifteen a game. To follow up the playoff series, the Bulls went a woeful 27-55. After starting the 2018-2019 season 5-19, the Bulls fired Hoiberg, ending his short NBA coaching stint.

Head Coaching Accomplishments

4 NCAA tournament appearances

2012 - An at large bud, Iowa State earned a spot in the tournament for the first time since 2005. As an 8 seed, they got to face UConn in the Round of 64. Winning 77-64, the Cyclones got the privilege of facing the number one overall seed Kentucky Wildcats. UK won handily 87-71, ending Iowa State’s season.

2013 - This year, Iowa State was a 10 seed and faced the seventh seeded Irish of Notre Dame. They blew out and upset the Irish by the score of 76-58. Once again, they ran into a high seed, this time with 2 seed Ohio State. They kept it close, but fell short, 78-75.

2014 - Winners of the Big 12 tournament, Iowa State came into the tournament as a 3 seed. After blowing by North Carolina Central 93-75, they faced another team from North Carolina in the Round of 32. UNC was a 6 seed and coming off a close win in the first round. Iowa State squeezed past the Tarheels 85-83. They were back in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2000. Unfortunately, they ran into the eventual National Champions UConn, who avenged the 2012 first round loss. The Cyclones lost 81-76.

2015 - After winning the Big 12 tournament for the second year in a row and a 25-9 record, Iowa State was the overall number 9 seed in the entire tournament. This came crashing down, as they lost by one to CUSA conference champion, UAB, in the first round.

2x Big 12 tournament Champion (2014,2016)

Big 12 Coach of the Year(2012)

Was this a good hire for Nebraska?

A very good one. Hoiberg has proven he can run a basketball program and consistently make the NCAA tournament. Doing well in the Big 10 is a different type of challenge, but Hoiberg should be able to lead the Cornhuskers to be a middle of the pack Big 10 team. Anything beyond that and Nebraska will have one of the best coaches in their history.