Is This Shocking New Hire the Secret to Huskie Men’s Basketball’s Comeback? You Won’t Believe Who’s Joining!

DEKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University (NIU) has announced the addition of John-Michael Hughes to its men’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. This decision, revealed on April 1 by head coach Matt Majkrzak, brings Hughes into a program that is keen on enhancing its competitive edge.

Hughes arrives at NIU after a successful two-year stint at Northern Michigan University (NMU), where he played a pivotal role in leading the Wildcats to 50 victories. Under his guidance, NMU clinched the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament title in 2025 and the GLIAC regular season championship in 2026, enabling the team to advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament in both seasons.

"John-Michael was a huge part of our success at NMU as an assistant coach the past two seasons," said Majkrzak. "He was a no brainer to bring to NIU. His experience as a Division I student-athlete at both High Point and The Citadel, combined with his GA experience at USC, and his experience as a player at IMG Academy brings a unique perspective to our staff."

During his tenure at Northern Michigan, the Wildcats not only excelled in wins but also boasted impressive statistics. In the 2025-26 season, they ranked second nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.79, and in rebound margin with +10.3. They also ranked fifth in scoring margin at +15.6, finishing the season with a record 28 wins. Player Dylan Kuehl emerged as a significant talent, earning First Team All-American honors and being named both GLIAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Hughes expressed his excitement about joining NIU, sharing his sentiments, "I cannot put into words how excited I am to be joining the NIU community and to continue chasing championships with Coach Majkrzak. We will work tirelessly to build a program and put a product on the floor that the community will be proud to call their own."

Before his time at NMU, Hughes served as a graduate assistant at the University of Southern California (USC), where he was involved in various aspects of the program, including scouting, recruiting, and player development. He worked closely with notable athletes like Isaiah Collier and Bronny James, gaining valuable experience that he now brings to NIU.

A native of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, Hughes played college basketball at High Point under the legendary Tubby Smith from 2018 to 2022, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He continued his education at The Citadel, playing under Ed Conroy while earning a master’s degree in sports management.

As NIU gears up for the 2026-27 season, season ticket deposits are now available. Fans can secure their spots by visiting NIUHuskies.com/tickets or contacting the NIU Ticket Office directly.

Furthermore, the Boneyard Competitive Excellence Fund is actively supporting Huskie student-athletes with an innovative approach aimed at enhancing competitiveness and bolstering the student-athlete experience. Contributions to the fund can be made by contacting the Huskies Athletic Fund directly.

With Hughes on board, NIU's men's basketball program looks poised for an exciting season ahead, backed by a coaching staff that combines experience and a shared dedication to success.