By PAUL GOTHAM
Niagara University athletics director Simon Gray announced earlier today that head men’s basketball coach Patrick Beilein resigned effective immediately.
In a statement released by the university, Beilein said:
“It is with heavy regret that I must inform the entire Purple Eagle nation that effective today I have resigned my position as the head men’s basketball coach at Niagara University. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to become a Division-I head basketball coach, but unfortunately, that dream must be put on hold.
Personal reasons I can no longer take lightly have led me to step away from my dream job. Going forward, I must give singular focus to dealing with these issues, so that I can become the man that I strive to be.
In time, it is my hope that I can be more open about my ongoing circumstances, but in the meantime, I thank you all for respecting my family’s need for privacy and for all of your continued support.”
Beilein underwent back surgery in September.
Former Duke University star and Syracuse native, Greg Paulus has been named interim head coach.
Paulus was hired as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in May.
Prior to his arrival at Niagara, Paulus had served as an assistant at Ohio State and then Navy, Louisville and George Washington.
Beilein, the son of Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein, was hired in March after serving as LeMoyne College head coach for four seasons.
Niagara opens its season at Drexel on Friday, November 8th.
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