Penn State Gives Pat Chambers A Contract Extension

All year, the biggest question hanging over the Penn State men's basketball team has been whether or not Pat Chambers would get a contract extension of some kind. In an attempt to give the program a little more stability -- especially in recruiting -- many have argued that the smartest thing for the school's athletic department to do is to make a commitment to Chambers.

Today, the #ExtendChambers crowd got its wish. The Nittany Lions' coach received a contract extension, and it was confirmed during this afternoon's Board of Trustees meeting, where it was also announced that Lady Lions coach Coquese Washington has also been extended. The extension locks Chambers down through at least the 2018-19 season. Here's the release, from GoPSUSports:

Patrick Chambers, head coach of the Penn State men's basketball team, has received a two-year contract extension, Sandy Barbour, Director of Athletics, announced Thursday. The extension will keep him at the helm of the Nittany Lions through at least the 2018-19 season.

"I am grateful for the commitment and enthusiasm for the men's basketball program Eric Barron, Sandy Barbour and the Penn State administration have shown," Chambers said. "We are proud of what we have accomplished, but know there is so much more ahead. I think our staff and players have laid a foundation to build upon for years to come."

The 2014-15 campaign ended with three wins in the final four games, giving the Nittany Lions an 18-16 overall record and the most wins since 2011, a total that has been topped just twice in the last decade. Penn State knocked off No. 5 seed Iowa and Nebraska before falling in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals to fourth-seeded Purdue.

"I support what Patrick is doing and I support his long-term leadership of this program," Barbour said. "I love the heart with which his team represents the university, Nittany Nation and the community, both on the court with measureable success and improvements and off with a 100 percent graduation rate and active participation in countless community activities. With a core group of returning players and the highest-rated recruiting class in school history coming next fall, the future is certainly promising. I believe with the right support and resources, Patrick can take this program to a level of success which everyone can get behind."

Barbour said a few weeks ago that she was committed to Chambers, and late last week, Penn State's AD said that she was going to sit down and discuss an extension with her head coach.

Obviously, this is huge news, and this should provide a big boost on the recruiting circuit, as prospects no longer have to wonder who will be at the helm of the Nittany Lions in the future. Most importantly, Barbour keeps harping on the need to provide Chambers with "the right support and resources," and while we don't know what that means, it's safe to say that there will probably be some kind of an investment into the basketball program sometime this offseason.

We'll keep you posted as more info comes in on Chambers' new deal.