Lincoln University, the oldest degree-granting HBCU, is parting ways with the coach that brought the university its first CIAA Tournament title and NCAA Division II tournament appearance.
Below is the press release from the HBCU announcing Jason Armstrong is stepping down from his post.
Lincoln University (PA) Director of Athletics & Recreational Services and Interim VP of Advancement, Harry Stinson III, has announced that head men’s basketball coach, Jason Armstrong, has stepped down from his position, effective immediately. Assistant coach, Keyshawn McMahon has been named Interim Head Coach.
“I want to thank Coach Jason Armstrong for his contributions to the Lincoln University Men’s Basketball Program,” stated Stinson. “Over the past two seasons our men’s basketball program has seen unparalleled success. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Both Armstrong and McMahon joined Lincoln University in 2020 under then head coach, Corey Lowery. Armstrong was named Interim Head Coach for the 2022-23 season and later named Head Coach for the 2023-24 season. In 2022-23, during the Interim head coaching season for Armstrong, the team amassed a 17-15 record and fell short in the CIAA Tournament Championship to Winston-Salem State University. In 2023-24 the Men’s Basketball Team won the CIAA Northern Division and Tournament Championship for the first time in school history.
Keyshawn McMahon will now serve as Interim Head Coach. McMahon is a 2019 graduate of Sterling College, and was a key cog for the Warriors. He was ranked nationally in total assists and assists per game in both of his seasons at Sterling. McMahon also played for Corey Lowery at Essex County College, and they helped lead Essex County to a Region 19 championship and NJCAA National Tournament berth. McMahon joined the Lincoln University staff in 2020 as a stipend assistant coach managing player personnel. He moved to assistant coach when Armstrong was named Interim Head Coach for the 2022-23 season.
“As we turn the page and continue to build upon the championship culture that has been laid in this program, we are excited for the future” added Stinson. “We believe with the returning student athletes, the culture of excellence that they have embodied coupled with the leadership and guidance of coach Keyshawn McMahon, we have the opportunity to continue build upon the championship culture and vie for CIAA and NCAA Championships for years to come.”
The university will soon launch a national search for the next Lincoln University head coach.