Leadership Changes Shake Up Penn and Columbia Men’s Basketball Programs
In a significant shift within the Ivy League, both the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University have announced changes in the leadership of their men's basketball programs. Steve Donahue, who has been at the helm of Penn's basketball team for the past nine years, will not return next season. The announcement came from Penn Athletics on March 10, 2025, marking the end of an era for the Quakers' basketball program.
Similarly, Columbia University revealed that Jim Engels, who led the Lions for nine years, is stepping down from his position as head coach. This news was also shared on March 10, 2025, signaling a new direction for the Columbia basketball team. Engels' departure comes as a surprise to many fans, given his long tenure and contributions to the program.
These simultaneous changes underscore a period of transition for Ivy League basketball, as both universities look to rebuild and redefine their basketball programs. The search for new head coaches is underway, with both institutions aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
