Boston University’s official news service broke the news:
Men’s head basketball coach Patrick Chambers, who has led the Terriers to two 21-14 seasons since his arrival at BU two years ago, has told BU that he has accepted a position as head coach at Penn State. In the wake of Chambers’ move, which comes just four weeks after he signed a contract extension through the 2015–16 season, BU has appointed Brian Daly, formerly associate head coach, to the position of interim head coach. The University will launch a nationwide search for a replacement.
Chambers will fill a slot left by Penn State’s Ed DeChellis, who racked up a 19-15 season in 2010–2011 and resigned last week to take the head coach spot at the U.S. Naval Academy.
In his two years at Boston University, Chambers quickly became famous for his passion, his seemingly infinite energy, and his ability to inspire his players. During the 2009–2010 season, he propelled the Terriers to the America East finals for the first time since 2003, stamping their season with a 21-14 record. It was BU’s first 20-win season since 2004.
The season also marked the first time since 1986–87 that BU defeated two major conference members in the same season, and made Chambers the fifth first-year head coach in America East history to lead his team to a championship game.
Playing the 2010–11 season with just three returning players, seven freshman, and three transfers, the team earned its first perfect home conference record since 1998. In postseason play, the Terriers hosted the first America East title game at Agganis Arena and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.