Penn State men's basketball has announced the addition of Dwayne Stephens to its coaching staff, appointing him as an assistant coach to fill one of the two vacancies left by the departures of Joe Crispin and Jamal Brunt.
A Career Built on Success
Stephens arrives with a résumé that includes nearly two decades as an assistant at Michigan State, where the Spartans captured three Final Four appearances and earned NCAA Tournament berths every season. Prior to that, he helped guide Marquette to a Final Four run in 2003, a campaign highlighted by the emergence of Dwyane Wade.
His most recent stop was as head coach at Western Michigan, where he compiled a 42‑84 record over four seasons before returning to the college ranks in State College.
Family Ties and Program Vision
Stephens' connection to Penn State runs deeper than his professional résumé; his brother Jarrett Stephens was a standout player for the Nittany Lions from 1996 to 2000, giving the program a personal link that coaches hope will resonate with fans and recruits alike.
Head coach Mike Rhoades praised the hire, emphasizing Stephens' proven track record and the unique perspective he brings to the team's development.
Rhoades noted, “Dwayne’s experience at elite programs, combined with his deep ties to Penn State, positions us to continue building on the momentum we’ve established. His knowledge of winning cultures will be invaluable as we aim for sustained success.”