(WKBW) — The search for the next head coach of the Niagara University men's basketball team is over.
The Purple Eagles have decided on Le Moyne head coach Patrick Beilein to be the next coach in charge of the program. Beilein, 35, is the son of Michigan men's basketball head coach and Niagara county native John Beilein.
“My family and I are very excited to have this opportunity to be the next men’s basketball head coach at Niagara University and to be back in Niagara County and Western New York,” said Beilein in a statement released by the univeristy. “I am so grateful to Father Maher and Simon Gray. From the beginning of this process, they have showed great faith and confidence in my ability to rebuild this basketball program. I am impressed with their commitment to the future of the university, the athletic department and our basketball program.”
Since taking over the Le Moyne Dolphins in the 2015-2016 season, Patrick Beilein amassed a 77-41 record -- including two 20-win seasons. They made trips to the NCAA Division II tournament the last three seasons, including a trip to the Elite Eight in the 2017-2018 season. He was named a two-time Northeast-10 Conference coach of the year.
Before making stops at Richmond, West Virginia, and ultimately Michigan, John Beilein went from Le Moyne and then took his first Division I job with another Big Four program: Canisius College. Patrick Beilein will hope to return Niagara to the NCAA Tournament, where it hasn't been since losing as the 16-seed to Kansas in 2007.
