CLEVELAND — Patrick Beilein, the son of Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Beilein, has abruptly resigned his position as head coach at Niagara University, and did so just two weeks before the start of the 2019-2020 season for the Purple Eagles.
Following reports of his departure from the program, Beilein released the following statement through the Niagara University Athletic Communications Office.
“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,” Beilein said in the statement. “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.”
Shortly after Beilein’s statement, his father took to Twitter to express his support of his son.
“Kathleen and I love our son, Patrick,” Beilein wrote. “We will assist him in every way so he can focus 100% on his personal issues. We believe that with a lot of hard work, he can do it. Thanks for respecting the privacy that Patrick and his family need at this time.”
Hired in March of 2019, Beilein never coached a regular-season game at Niagara.
Previously, Beilein spent four seasons at Le Moyne College and led the team to three NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances. That four-year run with Le Moyne followed a two-season stint at West Virginia Wesleyan University.
Beilein had a career record of 109-68 combined over six seasons at West Virginia Wesleyan and Le Moyne, including three 20-win seasons.