Otzelberger is openly passionate about teaching young people and was actively involved in the National Association of Basketball Coaches "Stay in to Win" program.

[6] This program was set up to help students focus on making important decisions in order to become more successful in school and impact their overall quality of life.

[11][12] In 2011-2012, Hoiberg led Iowa State to a 23-11 overall record and a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference,[13] advancing to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005.

In 2012-2013, the Cyclones finished 4th in the Big 12 Conference[16] while advancing to the third round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Ohio State on a buzzer beater.

On March 6, 2018, Otzelberger led the Jackrabbits back to the NCAA Tournament, their third straight trip to the Big Dance, with a 97–87 win over the University of South Dakota.

[22] On February 22, 2020, Otzelberger and the Runnin' Rebels defeated #4 San Diego State University, handing SDSU their first loss of the season.

On March 18, 2021, Otzelberger was hired at Iowa State, replacing Steve Prohm who was fired after winning just two games in a COVID shortened season.

Otzelberger accomplished the nation's largest turnaround in his first year at the helm at Iowa State, winning 22 games and making the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.