Patrick Chambers, who has served as the head coach of the Boston University men's basketball tam for the past two seasons, has been named the next head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions basketball team.
The announcement came via BU's athletics website and was later confirmed by the Penn State athletics site.
"I am truly honored and excited to be joining the Penn State family," Chambers stated. "I'm looking forward to bringing passion, energy and enthusiasm to Nittany Lion Basketball. We will play a style, and bring an attitude, that Nittany Nation can be proud of." (via GoPSUSports.com)
PSU Athletic Director Tim Curley noted that the hiring issues in a new era of Nittany Lions basketball.
"Penn State Basketball begins a new era today," Curley stated, "and Patrick Chambers ushers in that era with proven success, an appreciation of and commitment to Penn State ideals, and the energy and enthusiasm required to compete at the highest level. His outstanding record of achievement in a relatively young coaching career is a direct testament to his knowledge of the game, his passion for his players and his relentless pursuit of success. We're confident that under Pat's leadership, the Nittany Lion Basketball program will rise to new heights in the years ahead." (via GoPSUSports.com)
Mike Lynch, BU's director of athletics, issued a statement thanking Chambers for his time with the school.
"I would like to thank Pat for his contributions to Boston University and to our men's basketball program," said Lynch. "As our head coach, he helped return BU to its winning tradition. We have a very bright future and I am confident that we will find a replacement who will continue to build on our tradition of excellence." (via GoTerriers.com)
Lynch also announced that associated head coach Brian Daly will serve as the interim head coach at BU.
Chambers guided the Terriers to two straight 21-14 seasons in his only two years at the helm, but led BU to an NCAA Tournament berth this year. Chambers has a lifetime coaching record of 42-28.
While Chambers is leaving his coaching job in Boston, he will be returning to the area in the near future. Penn State's men's basketball team will head north to face the Boston College Eagles as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.