Iowa State Hires T.j. Otzelberger As Next Men’s Basketball Coach

Iowa State has named former UNLV Head Coach T.J. Oltzelberger as the head coach, taking over for Steve Prohm who was let go on Monday evening.

Otzelberger has been an assistant for two different stretches in Ames under Greg McDermott, Fred Hoiberg and Steve Prohm. His time with Prohm was one season after interviewing for the job opening the same time that Prohm did. He then took the South Dakota State job the following season. He went 70-33 and got SDSU to two NCAA tournaments in three seasons as the Jackrabbits head man.

Otzelberger then took the UNLV job following his third season at South Dakota State. Since then, he led the Rebels to a 29-30 record in two seasons in Las Vegas. He was currently in the middle of the major overhaul of the roster and getting the players to fit his scheme into Las Vegas.

During his previous tenures in Ames. Otzelberger was instrumental in landing Georges Niang, Naz Long, Matt Thomas and other important pieces to Iowa State’s previous success. The hope is he can rekindle that mojo and reignite the Hilton Magic flame that has been so desperately missed.

Stay tuned to WRNL as we learn more on the hire.