San Diego parts ways with head coach Steve Lavin

The university is moving on from the veteran coach after 5 seasons.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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San Diego has decided to part ways with men's basketball head coach Steve Lavin after 5 seasons with the program. The university has not provided details on the reasons behind the decision, but it comes after a disappointing season that saw the team struggle to a 12-18 record.

Why it matters

Lavin was a high-profile hire for San Diego when he took over the program in 2021, bringing over 20 years of head coaching experience at the Division I level. His departure leaves the Toreros searching for a new leader to try and turn the team around and compete in the West Coast Conference.

The details

Lavin, 61, had been San Diego's head coach since 2021 after previous stints at St. John's and UCLA. In his 5 seasons with the Toreros, he compiled a 57-71 overall record and failed to lead the team to the NCAA Tournament.

  • Lavin was hired as San Diego's head coach in April 2021.
  • He spent 5 seasons leading the Toreros program.
  • San Diego announced the decision to part ways with Lavin on February 18, 2026.

The players

Steve Lavin

The former head coach of the San Diego men's basketball team, who had over 20 years of head coaching experience at the Division I level prior to joining the Toreros.

San Diego

The university that has decided to part ways with head coach Steve Lavin after 5 seasons with the men's basketball program.

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What’s next

San Diego will now begin a search for a new head coach to lead the men's basketball program.

The takeaway

Lavin's departure marks the end of an era for San Diego basketball, as the university looks to find a new leader who can help turn the program around and compete in the West Coast Conference.