**Shocking News: Penn State Head Coach Mike Rhoades Resigns in Shocking Move**
State College, PA** — In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, Penn State men’s basketball head coach Mike Rhoades has officially resigned from his position, the university confirmed in a statement released Sunday morning.
Rhoades, who was hired just two years ago to lead the Nittany Lions following a successful stint at VCU, departs after compiling a 35–29 record across two seasons. His tenure saw the program stabilize following a turbulent coaching transition and included a 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance—the school’s first since 2023.
The reason for Rhoades’ abrupt resignation has not been made public, though sources close to the program indicate it may be tied to personal matters rather than professional dissatisfaction.
**University Responds**
In an official statement, Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft expressed both disappointment and gratitude.
> “Coach Rhoades brought energy, leadership, and competitive spirit to our basketball program,” said Kraft. “While we are surprised by his decision, we respect his choice and thank him for his dedication to our student-athletes. We will begin a national search for his successor immediately.”
**Rhoades Issues Personal Statement**
Shortly after the announcement, Rhoades released a statement of his own:
> “This was not an easy decision. Coaching at Penn State has been an honor, but at this time, I need to step away and refocus on what matters most to me. I’m proud of what we built in a short time and confident this program is on the rise.”
**Team and Fan Reaction**
Players and fans alike were caught off guard by the resignation. Several current players took to social media to share their appreciation for Rhoades, with junior guard Daryn Fields tweeting, “Coach believed in me from Day 1. Wishing him nothing but the best.”
Penn State fans, still energized by recent program growth, are left wondering what comes next as the school enters what will now be its second head coach search in just over two years.
**What’s Next for Penn State?**
The university is expected to act quickly in hiring a new coach, with names like Dusty May (Florida Atlantic), Grant McCasland (Texas Tech), and former Penn State assistant Adam Fisher (now at Temple) already circulating among early speculation.
Whether this marks the beginning of another rebuild or a continuation of the momentum Rhoades helped establish, one thing is clear: Penn State basketball is heading into another era