April 1, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE STATE’S DEVIN HOEHN RECIPIENT OF 2026 JACK BENNETT AWARD
Presented annually to the non-division I coach who wins with integrity on and off the court

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Fayetteville State’s Devin Hoehn is the recipient of the 2026 Jack Bennett Man of the Year award, which is presented annually to a non-division I coach who wins with integrity on and off the court.

In his first season at Fayetteville State, Hoehn led the Broncos to a 23-7 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Quarterfinal.

“As someone who has walked those CIAA sidelines, I have immense respect for what Devin Hoehn accomplished this season,” said James Wilhelmi, Senior Analyst for College Insider, Inc. and member of the Jack Bennett award voting panel. “He built a championship team at Fayetteville State while embodying the high standard of integrity that Jack Bennett set for all of us in this profession.”

The Broncos, who were undefeated at home this season (10-0), won 17 games in row before falling in the regional quarters. The 17-game streak included the third Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament championship in program history.

The CIAA champions were one of the most explosive teams in Division II. The Broncos averaged 89.4 points per game, ranking among the national leaders. They generated offense through high?volume free?throw scoring (25.1 makes per game), turnover pressure, and a deep scoring core. FSU's offensive attack was about, pace, and rim pressure.  Defensively the Broncos rely on havoc creation, ranking among the CIAA's best in both steals, and blocks. Their statistical model thrives on generating extra possessions and controlling the whistle.

Prior to taking over at FSU, Hoehn led Bluefield State to a 19-11 record, a No. 2 Northern Division ranking, after being picked to finish 12th in the CIAA preseason poll. 2024-25 marked the first time in program history that BSU finished with a winning record.

Before his rebuilding job at Bluefield, Hoehn was an integral part of the coaching staff at Nova Southeastern University from 2017 to 2021.

Working for his mentor Jim Crutchfield, Hoehn helped to transform the culture within the program, taking a previous 6-20 program to a combined 69-20 record during his tenure, including an NCAA South Region title and Sunshine State Conference regular season championship in 2018-19 and the Sharks' first NCAA Tournament appearance.

Hoehn's coaching philosophy emphasizes both mental and physical toughness, requiring players to possess a high basketball IQ. His unique system focuses on fast-paced play, decision-making, and trust among teammates.

Hoehn is committed to identifying and recruiting players who possess the specific attributes required for his unique system. He will focus on recruiting individuals with high basketball IQs, mental and physical toughness, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, decision-making environment.

The Jack Bennett Award, which represents winning with integrity, is named in honor of former legendary head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Bennett won five Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles, made five NCAA tournament appearances, and won two national championships. He’s the program’s all-time winningest coach with a 200-56 record. In 34 seasons as head coach, he compiled a record of 480-175.


PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS
Brian Baptiste, UMass-Dartmouth (2025); Dennis Hopson, Lourdes (2024); Chris Wright, Langston (2023); Gary Edwards, Francis Marion (2022); Bill Fenlon, DePauw (2021); Jeff Gard, Wisconsin-Platteville (2020); Jim Crutchfield, Nova Southeastern (2019); Pat Juckem, Wisconsin-Oshkosh (2018); John Pigatti, South Suburban College (2017); Donte Jackson, Stillman (2016); Ryan Marks, Saint Francis Illinois (2015); Gary Grzesk, Saint Norbert (2014); Luke Reigel, Wisconsin Parkside (2013); Larry Anderson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2012); Pryor Orser, Colorado School of Mines (2011).

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