Assistant coach Brian Daly, a key member of the Penn State men’s basketball program, has decided to leave his position due to personal reasons. He will be moving back to Philadelphia where he will look to spend more time with his family, according to a university release provided from 247sports.

“I have valued my time at Penn State and wish the program nothing but the best moving forward,” Daly said in the statement from 247. “I have been away from my family for the last few years and as my children are getting older and our oldest son is entering his senior year, I want to be in Philadelphia with them.”

Daly has been a vital member in the slight resurgence of Penn State basketball. He was valued highly by players and coaches alike and was in charge of grooming Penn State’s big men. A special member of head coach Pat Chambers’ staff, Daly has been with Chambers for his four years at the helm, and served with Chambers at Boston University.

“I want to thank Brian for his four years at Penn State and all that he has done for our program,” Chambers said in the statement. “We wish him the very best as he pursues other professional opportunities in the Philadelphia area. Our program is built around family and nothing is more important than one’s own. I know he is looking forward to being with his wife Tracie and three children again.”

Daly was also known for coaching at St. Joe’s and Monsignor Bonner High School, where he impacted many different players in positive ways. It is a big loss for Penn State, especially with some young big men joining the squad next fall, and he will not be easily replaced. Daly helped to enforce Chamber’s scrappy defensive style among the Penn State big men, and also helped recruit current Shep Garner and Isaiah Washington.

Hopefully Penn State will add talent to replace Daly’s role. After a struggling season, it may need the help.

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