Penn State basketball coach Pat Chambers steps down amid allegations of 'inappropriate conduct'

Penn State basketball coach Pat Chambers has resigned after “new allegations of inappropriate conduct,” the school announced Wednesday.

"As difficult as this news may be, we think it's in the best interest of Penn State, our program and our student-athletes."

Watch Sandy Barbour's full opening statement below. pic.twitter.com/ySDL15Am8K

— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) October 21, 2020

Chambers is coming off his best season in nine years with the school. Penn State went 21-10 and was poised to earn an NCAA tournament bid when covid-19 ended the season.

Former Duquesne coach Jim Ferry has been named interim coach.

In July, The Undefeated reported freshman point guard Rasir Bolton transferred to Iowa State after Chambers told him he wanted to “loosen the noose that’s around your neck” in reference to getting him to play a different style.

In its release, Penn State said “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.”

“We do not disclose the details of personnel investigations,” Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said Wednesday night at a news conference, “but I can tell you, as difficult as this news may be, both President (Eric) Barron and I believe that this is the right outcome.

“Coach Chambers has made many contributions to the program and to this university, for which we are grateful. The team has been on a positive trajectory and has responded well to Coach Chambers’ efforts, on and off the court.

“Our main focus, at this moment, is squarely on them, our student-athletes, and our men’s basketball program, which you have heard me say many times, they are our why, they are our purpose, they are our focus.

“This was difficult and unexpected news for them, and we are committed to continue to provide them with the necessary resources as they focus on their academics, health and safety and preparation for the season to come.”

Pat Chambers has issued a statement on his departure from Penn State. pic.twitter.com/3zKWwYRwKh

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) October 21, 2020

Barbour said Chambers delivered the news of his resignation to the players.

“As you can imagine, it was difficult news for them to hear,” she said.

What kind of a coach is @PennStateMBB's Jim Ferry@tsnmike tells you.

Full interview ➡️ https://t.co/10x0NSz1Mm pic.twitter.com/upzl09EXUK

— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) October 21, 2020

Chambers, 49, served as Penn State’s coach for nine seasons, recording a 148-150 record, including 26-13 in 2017-2018 when he led the Nittany Lions to the NIT championship.

Chambers issued a statement Wednesday night, expressing his gratitude toward Penn State for “its ongoing support.”

“Anyone who has ever coached — especially at this level — knows the exceptional amount of energy and focus it takes to deliver each and every day,” he wrote. “This has been an incredibly difficult year for me and my family, and we are in need of a break to reset and chart our path forward. So, I’m taking a step back to prepare myself for the next 20 years.”

Ferry, a 30-year collegiate coaching veteran, was Duquesne’s head coach for five seasons from 2012-17.

He compiled a record of 60-97 with the Dukes, 10-22 in 2016-2017 when Duquesne finished last in the Atlantic 10. He led LIU Brooklyn to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in 2011 and ’12.