By The Keystone Newspaper Kutztown University men’s basketball will see the end of an era as head coach Bernie Driscoll announced his retirement on Aug. 11. His final day will be Friday, Aug. 22, concluding a remarkable 24-year tenure at the helm of the Golden Bears
By Tommy Scuderi
Kutztown University men’s basketball will see the end of an era as head coach Bernie Driscoll announced his retirement on Aug. 11. His final day will be Friday, Aug. 22, concluding a remarkable 24-year tenure at the helm of the Golden Bears.
“My retirement plans are to have fun with our three grandkids and to travel. My wife and I would like to visit London and Ireland,” Driscoll said.
Photo Credit: Kutztown University Sports Information Department
Driscoll compiled more than 360 victories, more than 200 ahead of second place on the Golden Bears’ all-time list. He was named PSAC East Coach of the Year four times and guided Kutztown to six division titles between 2007 and 2017. He ranks fourth all-time in career victories among PSAC East coaches.
Despite all of his years dedicated to athletics, Driscoll said his proudest moments came in the classroom.
“Graduation day is the most special day of the year,” he said. “Many of my players were first-generation college graduates, and the pride and joy of their families on that day holds a special place in my heart.”
Director of Athletics Renee Hellert praised Driscoll’s impact.
“We would like to thank Coach Driscoll for all of the contributions he has made to both the men’s basketball program and campus over the past 25 years,” Hellert said. “His leadership shaped great student-athletes and people. We are grateful for his dedication to Kutztown University and college basketball and wish him the best in retirement.”
Driscoll thanked the university community for his time at KU.
“My 25 years at Kutztown went by quickly. The relationships that I have with my former players, coaches, staff, and the many great professors at KU are special to me”. His final message to the team was simple: “Go win the PSAC East.”
Associate head coach Tom York will serve as interim head coach for the 2025–26 season. York previously led KU’s women’s basketball program from 1987 to 1994 before joining Driscoll’s staff. The university plans a national search for a permanent successor at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
The KU community wishes coach Driscoll nothing but health and happiness during his retirement.