After losing to Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament, Penn State men's basketball head coach Mike Rhoades reflected on wanting to give himself and his team a chance. As players fled the program via the Transfer Portal in the offseason, a new blue and white era was underway in Happy Valley.
On Tuesday, May 12, Rhoades made another offseason move in attempt to rebuild the Nittany Lions.
Former Western Michigan head coach Dwayne Stephens will join Rhoades' staff heading into the 2026-27 season as assistant coach, the team announced.
"Coach Stephens is one of the most well-respected and accomplished coaches in college basketball. He brings elite experience from every level of the game — from Final Fours and Big Ten championships, to leading his own program as a head coach. He has recruited and developed some of the best players in the country, and his ability to build genuine relationships and impact winning will elevate every part of our program," Rhoades said in a statement.
Penn State has hired Dwayne Stephens as an assistant coach, the team announced Tuesday.
— Will Horstman (@WillHorstman_) May 12, 2026
Stephens was the head coach at Western Michigan during the past four seasons before the program parted ways with him earlier this offseason
Stephens was the Broncos head coach for four seasons, starting in 2022. He left the program with a 42-84 overall record. In 2023-24 and 2024-25, Western Michigan made consecutive returns to MAC Tournament. This was the first time it had done so since 2013-14.
Stepehens also spent time at Michigan State for 19 seasons. For his final 10 years, he served as associate head coach to Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo. He started his stint with the Spartans as assistant coach in 2003.
Penn State basketball hires former Western Michigan head coach Dwayne Stephens as assistant coach
This is Rhoades' second new addition to Penn State basketball's staff. Former NBA general manager Calvin Booth was hired in a consulting position at the beginning of March.
The Nittany Lions lost assistant coach Joe Crispin and associate head coach Jamal Brunt in the offseason, opening the door for Rhoades to bring in new faces.
The offseason has also been tumultuous for the players. Penn State lost nine playes to the portal, including top point scorers and guards Freddie Dilione V and Kayden Mingo.
Rhoades picked up Central Connecticut point guard Jay Rodgers, Alabama Hunstville shooting guard Thomas Allard, Davidson shooting guard Roberts Blums, and Miami (Ohio) guard Brant Byers out of the Transfer Portal.
This era has been based around experience and leadership for Rhoades, rather than rebuilding from scratch as he attempted to with his Class of 2025.
For Stephens, he joins a program familiar to his family. Former Nittany Lion forward Jarrett Stephens played at State College from the 1995-96 season to the 1999-2000 season.
“I can’t wait to get to State College and help coach Rhoades continue to build Penn State basketball,” Stephens said in a statement. “I love what he and his staff are doing. It’s a unique time in college athletics and to have the opportunity to join a group that’s doing it the right way is such a privilege. The only person more excited about this opportunity than I am is my brother Jarrett, a PSU basketball alum."
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