University of Northern Iowa head men’s basketball coach Ben Jacobson has signed a contract extension through the 2024-25 season as announced today by UNI Director of Athletics Troy Dannen.

“Ben has led UNI’s basketball program to a place among the nation’s elite during his nine years as our head coach,” Dannen said. “At the same time, he has established himself as one of the nation’s best coaches. The formula for success in intercollegiate athletics starts with a head coach of high character and integrity who views his role as an educator as the highest priority. We have that coach at UNI, and look forward to Ben remaining in that role well into the future.”

Jacobson guided the Panthers to a school-record 31 wins, an MVC Tournament championship and a victory in the 2015 NCAA Tournament. He is the school’s all-time winningest coach with 197 victories. Jacobson is a three-time MVC Coach of the Year and was named the NABC District Coach of the Year in 2014-15. Under Jacobson’s leadership the Panther men’s basketball program is only MVC men’s basketball team to be listed in the top-10 percent of the Academic Progress Report in each of the last two seasons. UNI was also one of 10 schools to be in the top-10 percent of the APR and take part in the 2015 NCAA Tournament.

“Dawn and I and the boys could not be happier to continue to receive the overwhelming support of our community, our campus and our alums,” Jacobson said. “The foundation of our program continues to grow. I want to thank all who have made this growth possible. The relationships and support have allowed us to recruit quality young men that will represent our program in a manner that we can all be proud of. I look forward to continuing the process of helping UNI basketball reach new heights.”

Jacobson will receive an average salary of $900,000 per year through the length of the deal.

“Panther athletics owes a debt of gratitude to our donors who stepped forward over the past two weeks to provide resources allowing us to raise Ben’s financial package to a level consistent with the national marketplace,” Dannen said. “General education funds have not been used to supplement the head coach’s salary since 2008. Our external support has allowed Panther athletics, and in particular the men’s basketball program, the opportunity to achieve at an unprecedented academic and competitive level.”