Chadron State College men’s basketball head coach Shane Paben’s contract will not be renewed. The school gave no reason.
Interim Athletic Director Ted Tewahade released a statement saying “Coach Paben has brought success to the men’s basketball program at Chadron State College. We thank him for time and dedication.”
Sources told KCSR/KBPY Sports that Paben had been in contact with other schools this past season.
Paben was 46-52 overall and 36-39 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, including 12-17 this season with a 9-13 RMAC mark that advanced the Eagles to the league tournament for the second straight season and third time in his 4 years.
Despite his losing records, Paben actually has the highest winning percentage both overall and in the RMCA since Ed Spreling left in 1981. His 19-10 mark a year ago was the winning season for the program in 21 years and just the fifth since 1982-83.
Paben is also the only Chadron State men’s coach to lead the Eagles to the RMAC tournament more than once.
Prior to coming to Chadron State, Paben was the head men’s basketball coach at Bellevue University for 11 years. For his career, he owns a record of 321-152.
Tewahade said a national search for a men’s basketball coach will begin soon, adding that he’s excited to see what the future holds for CSC men’s basketball since the school has “outstanding student-athletes, a top-notch facility, and a supportive fan base.”