Mike Gambino says he "had every intention" of honoring a five-year contract extension that he signed with Boston College two weeks before agreeing to become the next head coach at Penn State.
Penn State announced that Gambino accepted the Big 10 Conference coaching vacancy on Monday, bringing Gambino's 13-year stint as head coach of his alma mater to an end.
"When I signed the extension at BC, I planned on honoring that commitment," Gambino said. "It's been a little bit crazy. Emotionally, I went to BC, my family is happy there, I love Boston. It had to be the perfect spot for me to leave."
Talks between Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Kraft and Gambino's representation kicked off at the conclusion of BC's season, which ended in an NCAA Tournament Regional with the Eagles finishing with their best all-time record at 37-20. Kraft served as BC's Director of Athletics from 2020 to 2022, giving him an up-close look at Gambino's philosophy toward program building.
