The Penn State Board of Trustees’ compensation committee today (May 3) approved a contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Patrick Chambers through the 2021-22 season.  The extension is subject to definitive documentation that is mutually agreed to and signed by both parties.

Chambers led the Nittany Lions to 26 victories during the 2017-18 season, the second-highest total in program history, and the 2018 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship. Penn State won nine Big Ten Conference games, including a record-tying four-straight league wins in February, captured 11 road or neutral site wins and earned its first 3-0 season sweep of Ohio State, who was nationally ranked in all three contests.

“Coach Chambers has demonstrated tremendous vision and determination in building a strong foundation for our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour. “The success the team enjoyed this season was a result of the efforts and passion of Patrick and his staff in creating a culture that has raised the standards and expectations of the program. Because of his leadership, our loyal and dedicated fans and everyone who supports Penn State men’s basketball are excited about continuing to build on the successes of the program and the development of our student-athletes.”

The Nittany Lions have achieved numerous milestones in Chambers’ seven-season tenure, including recording the most Big Ten wins during his tenure this past season. Chambers has guided Penn State to five Big Ten Tournament wins in the last three years, tying him for the highest total of Big Ten Tournament victories by any coach in program history.

 

“Building a championship basketball program at Penn State has been our mission since day one and we have made significant progress toward reaching that goal,” Chambers said. “I want to thank my former and current players who have committed to our staff and the culture of the program. And I especially want to thank their parents and families who have bought into our vision. The foundation for our future has been set! I am grateful to have the support of the administration, the students, local communities, and from Penn Staters everywhere. It has helped us elevate Penn State basketball to a new level, and we are confident the best is still yet to come.”

Penn State earned a 7-1 record during postseason play this March and received 19 votes in the final 2018 USA Today Coaches poll. The Nittany Lions also were recognized with votes in the Associated Press poll earlier in the season. Penn State also earned high analytical final national rankings by kenpom.com (19), ESPN BPI (20) and Jeff Sagarin (27) for 2017-18.

Penn State men’s basketball student-athletes have posted five consecutive perfect 100 percent NCAA Graduation Success Rates (GSR). In the NCAA’s November 2017 Graduation Rates Report, the Nittany Lions’ 100 percent GSR was 22 points higher than the Division I men’s basketball average.

Chambers, a walk-on who worked his way to become the starting point guard at Philadelphia University, finished his career as the all-time assists leader for his alma mater and Naismith Hall of Fame coach Herb Magee. Chambers began his coaching career with a position at Delaware Valley College following graduation and continued at Episcopal Academy as the top varsity assistant under renowned coach Dan Dougherty.

The Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, native joined the Villanova staff under Jay Wright in 2004 as the director of basketball operations, became an assistant coach the following year and was promoted to associate head coach in 2008. After helping lead the Wildcats to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2008 and 2009 NCAA Final Four, Chambers took over the Boston University program, leading the Terriers to two-straight 20-win seasons, the America East Conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2011.

The youngest of 12 children, Chambers has three siblings who are Penn State alumni. He and his wife, Courtney, are the parents of four children: Grace, Ryan, Caitlin and Patrick, Jr.

The terms of the contract extension for Coach Chambers will be available publicly at such time that the contract is finalized and executed with all appropriate signatures.

Penn State returns three starters and eight of its 11 (scholarship) players for the 2018-19 season, including seven players who made multiple starts this year. Among the returnees are sophomore forward Lamar Stevens, the 2018 NIT Most Outstanding Player, junior guard Josh Reaves and sophomore forward Mike Watkins, who were members of the Big Ten All-Defensive Team. Coach Patrick Chambers and his staff also will welcome freshmen Rasir Bolton, Myles Dread and Daniil Kasatkin for 2018-19.