The Lion was let out of the bag on Monday.
Lincoln University (Pa.) released a statement that corrected an earlier release stating that former men’s basketball coach Jason Armstrong, fresh off leading the Lions to the CIAA championship and their first appearance in the NCAA Division II men’s basketball tournament, had resigned.
A news release, which comes more than a month after the change was first announced, explains that Armstrong was actually fired.
“In the weeks since Jason Armstrong’s departure as Lincoln University’s men’s basketball coach, questions have arisen about the nature of his departure,” the release states. “The university retracts its earlier statement that Coach Armstrong voluntarily resigned. His departure was a decision by the University to end his employment. The University thanks Coach Armstrong for his dedication in leading the team to its first CIAA basketball title and raising academic standards for his players. We wish him the best in his future coaching career.”
No further details or information were provided.
Armstrong, named interim head coach ahead of the 2022-23 season and elevated to full-time prior to last season, compiled a 34-31 record in his two seasons on the job. This past season was his most successful. The Lions won the CIAA North and held off Fayetteville State 54-51 in the CIAA championship game to earn the program’s first trip to the NCAA tournament. Lincoln fell in the Elite Eight to Gannon University 97-63 in the first round of the Atlantic Regional.
Keyshawn McMahon will coach Lincoln in the 2024-25 season on an interim basis.
