These are three of the best mid-major coaching hires in the 2026 cycle--Mid-Major Madness
But I’ll do my best to single out three head coaching hires that I really like – all coming from different avenues – and then add a few more.
Matt Majkrzak to Northern Illinois
When Matt Majkrzak took over as Northern Michigan’s head coach in 2019-20, the program hadn’t won 20 games since 1999-2000. After seven seasons at the helm, he did it four years in a row. He took Northern Michigan to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2000 and won the program’s first NCAA Tournament game since 1999.
With a patient attack that hardly ever turns the ball over, Majkrzak led the Wildcats to the second-best offensive efficiency in Division II this past season and three top 25 offenses in the last four years. Majkrzak’s offensive prowess and ability to recruit and develop players helped flip the Northern Michigan program. While his defenses haven’t been great, I don’t think they’re bad enough to offset the strength of the offense at a level like the Horizon.
He’s also a sharp evaluator, especially in his home state of Wisconsin, where his four leading scorers at NMU last season hailed from. At just 36 years old and with over 161 college head coaching wins to his name, Northern Illinois brought in a program builder to guide the Huskies into the new era in the Horizon League after decades in the MAC.
Northern Illinois hires Washington grad for men's basketball coaching staff--Peoria Journal Star
Alex Bruskotter is the Latest Cleveland State Men's Basketball Signee--csuvikings.com
Rayvon Griffith Set to Join Cleveland State Men's Basketball--csuvikings.com
Coach Montgomery Extended To 2031--detroittitans.com
Titans Add International Intrigue In Elías Pálsson--detroittitans.com
Former UWGB guard Cassie Schiltz joins team as assistant coach--Green Bay Press-Gazette
Norse women’s hoops tabs JUCO forward Lucia Auza Molina--nkunorse.com
T.J. Otzelberger Likes Two-Way Ability of Iowa State Basketball Transfer--Sports Illustrated
Robert Morris Receives Commitment From High School Guard--Robert Morris Sports Now
Robert Morris WBB Adds Size to Roster After Signing Transfer Forward--Robert Morris Sports Now
Wright State basketball: Raiders add 6-foot-11 center from Colorado State--Dayton Daily News
Wright State Men’s Basketball Adds Nikola Djapa--wsuraiders.com
