San Diego will not bring back Steve Lavin next season

San Diego head coach Steve Lavin will not return for the 2026-27 season, the university announced Wednesday.

Lavin, 61, will remain with the Toreros through the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, completing his fourth season with the school.

Lavin has posted a 46-79 overall record with the Toreros and 18-47 mark in West Coast Conference play over that span.

San Diego (11-17, 5-10 WCC) lost for the fourth time in five games with a 92-79 home setback to San Francisco on Sunday.

“As my coaching tenure at USD begins to wind down, I would like to pause and express my heartfelt appreciation to President Jim Harris for presenting this life-changing opportunity in 2022,” Lavin said. “Teaching and coaching at the University of San Diego has been an experience of unparalleled pride and joy. Specifically, I will carry forward the gift of participating in our players’ journeys, and will treasure the relationships forged along the way.”

The Toreros return to action on Saturday against visiting Loyola Marymount (13-15, 4-11).

“I want to thank Coach Lavin for his time at USD and for his efforts leading our men’s basketball program,” said Kimya Massey, San Diego associate vice president and executive director of athletics. “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.”

Massey said the school will conduct a national search for its next basketball coach.

Lavin owns a 283-229 record with UCLA (1996-2003), St. John’s (2010-15) and San Diego. He has guided his teams to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, six with the Bruins and two with the Red Storm.

–Field Level Media