STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Two weeks ago Sandy Barbour said she was optimistic Pat Chambers and Penn State would soon reach a contract extension. Sure enough on Thursday afternoon both sides agreed to and signed a new deal.
“Coach Chambers has demonstrated tremendous vision and determination in building a strong foundation for our men’s basketball program,” Barbour said in a statement. Chambers' new contract will run through the 2021-22 season. “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.”
Penn State is coming off a 26-win season and an NIT title. That marked the most successful season during Chambers' tenure, one that started in Happy Valley in June 2011. Chambers helped Penn State break into the recruiting scene in Philadelphia, and with success there also helped develop Tony Carr, who after two seasons with the Nittany Lions declared for the NBA Draft this spring.
"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 in a statement. “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.”
The timing of Chambers' extension shouldn't come as much of a surprise considering Chambers, Barbour, James Franklin and other Penn State coaches will hit the road next week for their annual Coaches Caravan. With alumni events in New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC during a three-day span, this is one fewer question for them to answer and also helps show donors and potential donors that they have a long-term coach in place for their basketball program.