Northern Illinois University men’s basketball has just finalized its coaching lineup for the upcoming season, and the moves are sparking quite a conversation. Head coach Rashon Burno has brought on board two significant additions: Antwon Jackson as Assistant Coach and Eddie Fernandez taking on the dual role of Assistant Coach and Director of Basketball Operations. But here's where it gets interesting—these hires follow earlier announcements this summer, including Eric Rwahwire joining as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Development, alongside the well-earned promotion of Jacob Kurtz within the staff.
Antwon Jackson arrives at NIU with a strong resume, having spent the last three years as an assistant coach at Murray State. His impact there was immediate, helping the Racers notch 17 wins in their debut season in the Missouri Valley Conference during 2022-23—a notable accomplishment in a competitive league.
Jackson’s coaching background is expansive. Before Murray State, he sharpened his skills at East Carolina (2020-22), Virginia Tech (2019-20), Cincinnati (2012-19), UMass (2009-12), and William & Mary (2005-08). At Cincinnati, his tenure proved particularly successful, as the Bearcats captured two American Athletic Conference Tournament titles in 2018 and 2019. Moreover, two players flourished under his guidance, earning AAC Player of the Year honors: Gary Clark in 2017-18 and Jarron Cumberland in 2018-19. This track record suggests Jackson could bring a winning culture and player development acumen to NIU.
Jacob Kurtz’s journey with NIU is another compelling storyline. Originally hired as the Director of Basketball Operations four years ago, he has steadily risen through the ranks to his current position. Kurtz came to NIU after a five-year stint at UMass, where he climbed the ladder from Assistant Director of Operations and Assistant to the Head Coach, to Director of Scouting/Video, and eventually Assistant Coach. This trajectory highlights his versatility and deep understanding of coaching intricacies.
Before UMass, Kurtz cut his teeth at Chattanooga. His time there was marked by historic success: helping the Mocs to a school-record 29 wins in the 2025-26 season, clinching both the Southern Conference regular-season and tournament crowns, and earning an NCAA Tournament berth. This kind of winning experience on his résumé underscores his value to NIU’s program.
Then there's Eric Rwahwire, who spent the last two seasons as a graduate assistant at Texas Tech. His time at Lubbock was marked by team success, as the Red Raiders enjoyed consecutive 20-win seasons, highlighted by an impressive 28-win run that advanced them to the Elite Eight. Rwahwire’s playing career is equally unique—he competed collegiately at UC Riverside and the University of Toronto, and also represented the Uganda National Team, providing him a diverse basketball perspective.
Eddie Fernandez rounds out the staff, bringing recent NBA experience to the Huskies. He joined NIU after serving in basketball operations with the Washington Wizards last season. Before that, Fernandez was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, UTEP, where he also contributed as a student manager for four years. His blend of NBA and collegiate operational knowledge is a distinctive asset.
And this is the part most people miss—NIU’s basketball staffing strategy is not just about hiring experienced coaches but merging a blend of professional-level insights, player development focus, and a track record of team success across various competitive environments. Does this approach signal a new era for Northern Illinois Huskies basketball? What do you think about prioritizing diverse coaching backgrounds versus staying within traditional collegiate coaching pipelines? Share your perspectives—do you believe this staff setup will lead to a breakthrough season, or could it be a gamble? The floor is open for debate.
