UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour accepted the resignation of head men's basketball coach Pat Chambers today following an internal investigation of new allegations of inappropriate conduct by Chambers. The new allegations surfaced shortly after The Undefeated's article and a review was conducted jointly by Penn State's Affirmative Action and Athletics Integrity offices.
Barbour named assistant coach Jim Ferry as the interim head coach for the 2020-21 season. Ferry has 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 19 years as a head coach with his most recent stint at Duquesne from 2012-17.
Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour accepted the resignation of head men's basketball coach Pat Chambers today following an internal investigation of new allegations of inappropriate conduct by Chambers. The new allegations surfaced shortly after The Undefeated's article and a review was conducted jointly by Penn State's Affirmative Action and Athletics Integrity offices.
Barbour named assistant coach Jim Ferry as the interim head coach for the 2020-21 season. Ferry has 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, including 19 years as a head coach with his most recent stint at Duquesne from 2012-17.
"I am announcing today that I have accepted the resignation of men's basketball head coach Pat Chambers following an internal investigation of allegations of inappropriate conduct by Coach Chambers which surfaced shortly after ESPN published a July 6 story on the website The Undefeated," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour. "The review was conducted jointly by Penn State's Affirmative Action and Athletics Integrity offices. We do not disclose the details of personnel investigations, but I can tell you, as difficult as this news may be, both President Barron and I believe this is the right outcome.
"Coach Chambers has made many contributions to the program, for which we are grateful. The team has been on a positive trajectory and responded well to Coach Chambers' efforts on and off the court. But as difficult as this news may be, we think it's in the best interests of Penn State, our program and our student-athletes.
"Our main focus at this moment is squarely on our student-athletes, which as you have heard me say many times is our why," continued Barbour. "This was difficult and unexpected news for them, and we are committed to continuing to provide them the necessary resources as they focus on their academics, health and safety, and preparation for the season to come.
"The young men of our program are talented, passionate and resilient. They have been the authors of the rebirth of Penn State men's basketball. Although I'm sure it will take them a little time, I am certain they will find their footing and move confidently and successfully through the academic year, COVID-19 environment and the competitive season. I look forward to supporting their success."
Chambers served as Penn State's men's basketball head coach for nine seasons, compiling a 148-150 record. He guided the Nittany Lions to the 2017-18 NIT Championship with a 26-13 record. The 2019-20 Penn State basketball team achieved a 21-10 record and was poised to earn an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2011 before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Off the court, Chambers was active in the Penn State chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer, where he was honored nationally with the 2019 Coaches vs. Cancer Collegiate Champion Award.
