The University of Scranton announced today that head women's basketball coach Ben O'Brien has accepted the position of head coach at Division I Lafayette College. A national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately.
O'Brien departs Scranton after a historic and remarkably successful tenure, compiling a 117–7 record (.943) while elevating the Royals to national prominence. Under his leadership, the program captured four Landmark Conference Championships (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) and made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Scranton advanced to three straight NCAA Elite Eight rounds (2024–26), reached the program's first NCAA Final Four in 2026, and earned a berth in the NCAA National Championship game that same season.
"I would like to thank Ben O'Brien for his outstanding leadership of the Lady Royals basketball program over these last four years. Coach O'Brien built on the history and tradition of our women's basketball program and provided us with many exciting moments that captivated the Scranton community. Under Ben's direction, our team reached new competitive heights while representing Scranton in a manner that made Royals everywhere proud. While we are disappointed by his departure, we wish Ben, Mandy, and the entire O'Brien family well in their new endeavor. We will begin a national search immediately for the next head coach of the Lady Royals," said Executive Director of Athletics Dave Martin.
O'Brien's tenure was marked by several historic milestones. He became the fastest coach in men's or women's college basketball history at any level to reach 100 career wins and tied for the fastest in any collegiate sport. He also led Scranton to a landmark victory as the first NCAA Division III women's basketball team to defeat a Power 4 opponent.
Individually, O'Brien earned numerous accolades, including D3hoops.com National Coach of the Year honors in 2026. He was also a WBCA National Coach of the Year finalist in 2023 and 2026, the D3hoops.com Region 5 Coach of the Year in 2026, and a two-time Landmark Conference Coach of the Year (2023, 2026).
Beyond team success, O'Brien played a key role in player development, guiding three All-Americans and multiple all-region and all-conference selections. His players earned two All-Region Player of the Year honors, one All-Region Rookie of the Year award, and multiple Landmark Conference major awards, including Player, Defensive Player, and Rookie of the Year distinctions.
"I am incredibly thankful for my time at The University of Scranton," said O'Brien. "It has been an honor to coach such an outstanding group of student-athletes and to be part of a special community. I'm grateful for the support from our administration, alumni, and fans throughout this journey."
The University will begin a national search immediately to identify the next leader of the women's basketball program.
