Toreros will part with Steve Lavin after season
On their way to another losing season, the University of San Diego is making a change.
Toreros Athletic Directory Kimya Massey is parting with head basketball coach Steve Lavin. The decision comes with three games remaining in the regular season, followed by the WCC Tournament.
Lavin will lead the program through the end of the season.
In a statement released by the University of San Diego Wednesday afternoon Massey said they will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.
“I want to thank Coach Lavin for his time at USD and for his efforts leading our men’s basketball program,” said Massey said the statement. “As the Division I college basketball landscape continues to shift, Lavin always demonstrated an authentic concern for the well-being of our student-athletes and supported their growth both academically and in the San Diego community. Over his tenure, his teams consistently produced strong academic results. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
After beginning the year 6-7 San Diego is now 11-17 and 5-10 in the WCC – sitting 10th out of 12 teams. They have lost five of their last seven games.
Leading scorer Ty-Laur Johnson is no longer with the program. The junior point guard was averaging 14.6 points and 4.3 assists. He last played on February 7 against LMU.
Lavin took over for Sam Scholl in 2022 and has posted a 46-79 record. His lone winning season came two years ago when he guided the Toreros to an 18-15 record.
“I’m grateful for our student-athletes’ efforts in representing this university in an exemplary
manner,” Lavin said in a statement. “Additionally, it was a blessing to learn from my fellow coaching colleagues and their respective teams. I’ll always be indebted to my talented, hardworking staff. Last but not least, a
tip of the cap to our ‘True Blue’ loyal Torero fans.”
The program has just one winning campaign since completing back-to-back 20 win seasons in 2019.
The University of San Diego opened a brand new $35 million basketball performance facility in October.
“Competing in the upper tier of the West Coast Conference and being a regular participant in the NCAA Tournament should be the expectation for this program,” Massey’s statement read. “We are committed to providing the leadership, NIL and revenue-sharing investment, and student-athlete support necessary to recruit and sustain a roster that makes both USD and the community proud.”
