San Diego Fires Men's Basketball Coach Steve Lavin

Toreros part ways with head coach after four seasons and no NCAA Tournament appearances

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The University of San Diego has announced that it will not bring back men's basketball head coach Steve Lavin for the 2026-27 season. Lavin, who was hired in 2022 to take over the struggling Toreros program, has compiled an 18-47 record in the West Coast Conference over the past four years, including an 11-17 mark this season. San Diego has had just five winning seasons and one NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007.

Why it matters

The Toreros have struggled to find consistent success in men's basketball for nearly two decades, and the decision to part ways with Lavin signals the university's desire to elevate the program and become a regular contender in the West Coast Conference. As a former NCAA Tournament regular at UCLA and St. John's, Lavin was brought in to help turn things around, but was unable to lead San Diego back to the Big Dance.

The details

In his four seasons as head coach, Lavin compiled an 18-47 record in West Coast Conference play, including an 11-17 mark this year. His lone winning season came in 2023-24 when the Toreros went 18-15, but they failed to earn an NCAA Tournament berth. Earlier this season, San Diego dismissed leading scorer Ty-Laur Johnson for undisclosed reasons.

  • Lavin was hired as San Diego's head coach in 2022.
  • The Toreros are 11-17 this season heading into their final three regular season games.
  • The West Coast Conference Tournament begins on March 5, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Steve Lavin

The former head coach at UCLA and St. John's, Lavin was hired by San Diego in 2022 to turn around the struggling Toreros program.

Ty-Laur Johnson

The Toreros' leading scorer this season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game, was dismissed from the team earlier this year for undisclosed reasons.

Kimya Massey

The University of San Diego's athletic director, who stated the school is committed to providing the necessary resources to build a program that can compete for NCAA Tournament berths.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Steve Lavin, Former Head Coach

“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. 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.”

— Kimya Massey, Athletic Director

What’s next

The Toreros have three regular season games remaining before the West Coast Conference Tournament begins on March 5 in Las Vegas. San Diego will begin a search for a new head coach to lead the program moving forward.

The takeaway

San Diego's decision to part ways with Steve Lavin after four seasons reflects the university's desire to elevate its men's basketball program and become a consistent contender in the West Coast Conference. The Toreros have struggled to find sustained success for nearly two decades, and the administration is committed to providing the necessary resources to recruit and develop a roster capable of regularly reaching the NCAA Tournament.