Nebraska basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg got a vote of confidence that likely means he’s returning, despite four years without a winning season.
When the Nebraska basketball season tipped off, people who thought Fred Hoiberg would get the Scott Frost treatment were plentiful. After Frost was fired just three games into his fifth season, plenty thought that Huskers’ AD Trev Alberts would have a similarly quick hook with Nebrasketball.
Despite a 3-1 start to the season, the Nebraska basketball team didn’t look particularly good. Back-to-back losses to Memphis and Oklahoma likely had Hoiberg’s seat very hot. But then he beat Florida State and Boston College and then topped those wins off with a big upset against Creighton. And then a near upset of Purdue. And suddenly, the narrative changed.
The games against the Bluejays and the Boilermakers seemed to convince fans that Hoiberg had the Nebraska basketball team playing better than it had at any other point in his career. Wins over Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio State, and then Penn State further cemented the public perception. On Wednesday, Alberts finally sealed the deal on Hoiberg coming back.
In an interview with the Omaha World-Herald, Alberts said the magic words that would seem to mean the Nebraska basketball coach’s job is safe for at least another year.
"“It’s undeniable the progress that Fred and his staff have made. The staff additions he made, as he recreated his staff, have been really, really good. Our team is really enjoyable to watch.”"
The comment about undeniable progress is likely a big enough clue that Hoiberg is now safe. But Alberts also talked about the size of the crowd and the noise it made against Penn State. It’s clear that fan interest and engagement is a big driver for Alberts. Struggling to sell out Memorial Stadium the last few years was likely one of the many factors behind Frost’s demise. Alberts went even further and talked about the changes Hoiberg made.
"“I think our team has responded very well to Coach Hoiberg’s leadership and changes this year. Do I wish men’s basketball had made a similar change two years ago in philosophy? Sure. But the change in approach is a 180.”"
Nebraska basketball coach safe despite losses
What Alberts didn’t point to, because at the moment it doesn’t appear to be as important as other factors, is that it would appear the Hoiberg is going to post his fourth straight losing season at the helm of Nebraska basketball.
At 11-14 and with just six games to go in the regular season, it seems unlikely the Huskers will get over .500 this year. With Wisconsin and Minnesota still on the schedule, 13 wins isn’t out of the realm of possibility. That would certainly eclipse Hoiberg’s previous high.
The question is whether or not the “undeniable progress” is something that can be continued next fall and winter. Or whether Hoiberg’s fifth year might end up being very, very similar to Scott Frost’s.