Pete Beers will no longer coach men's basketball but will remain the school's athletic director. Lancaster Bible athletics photo

Calling it a tough decision, but one that is ultimately right for the program, Lancaster Bible men's basketball coach Pete Beers stepped down on Thursday after 12 seasons at the helm for the Chargers. Beers informed his players of the decision on Thursday morning and said it was time for someone who could devote more time to the program to come aboard. The search for a new head coach will begin on Friday.

"It has been fun," Beers said. "Being in the trenches, coming together and working as a team, it has been great. And watching the guys go out and live a life for Christ after school and basketball, is a part I will miss greatly."

Beers finishes with a career record of 141-208 (.404) and is first all-time in wins and years coached at LBC, in any sport. He led the Chargers to two NCCAA East Region championships (2006-07, 2010-11) and three NCCAA National Tournament appearances. During his 12-year tenure, Beers coached ten 1,000-point scorers, 15 four-year letter winners and 92 of the 280 players that have donned an LBC men's basketball uniform.

The next men's basketball coach at LBC will become LBC's second full-time coach as well. Though there will be other responsibilities within the athletic department, the main job will be men's basketball coach.

Beers will stay on as the college's director of athletics and said he will look forward to coaching his new players.

"My job now is to coach our coaches and give them all the support they need," Beers said. 

Beers' brother, LBC vice president Josh Beers, said he has enjoyed watching Pete coach and although Pete is stepping down, it is because of how well Pete has done both of his jobs here at LBC.

"The leadership and growth out of the athletic department and the men's basketball program have made this day possible," Josh Beers said. "Because both programs are so strong and have been led well, Pete has essentially worked himself out of coaching basketball."

Josh credited the growth of the men's basketball program to the fact that Pete never lost sight of the school's mission.

"Twelve years ago when he took over the program up until now, Pete has been steady and determined in making sure that he and his team are focused on the mission of this school," Josh said. "The school is grateful to Pete's family for all of the sacrifices he has made over the years."

LBC president Peter Teague echoed Josh's words.

"We are deeply indebted to Pete, not just for the advancement of the basketball program, but for the lives he has touched through the basketball program," Teague said. "We think the best days of LBC athletics and the men's basketball program are ahead of us due to the foundation Pete has laid."