San Diego Toreros part ways with Steve Lavin amid team's difficult season

The Toreros have decided to take a new direction after four seasons under Lavin's leadership.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The San Diego Toreros have fired head basketball coach Steve Lavin after four seasons with the program. Lavin's tenure was marked by inconsistent results, with only one winning season during his time. The Toreros now enter a new chapter as they search for better leadership to help the team return to the NCAA Tournament, which they last reached in 2008.

Why it matters

The decision to part ways with Lavin highlights the Toreros' struggles to find sustained success on the basketball court in recent years. As a mid-major program, San Diego is looking to establish itself as a consistent contender in the West Coast Conference and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly two decades.

The details

Lavin's best season with the Toreros came in 2023-24 when the team went 18-15, but the other three years under his leadership saw the team win 11 or fewer games. This season, the Toreros have an 11-17 overall record and are 5-10 in West Coast Conference play, sitting third-to-last in the conference standings.

  • Lavin was hired as the Toreros' head coach in 2022.
  • The Toreros last made the NCAA Tournament in 2008.
  • San Diego will host Loyola Marymount on February 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET.

The players

Steve Lavin

Former head coach of the San Diego Toreros, who was fired after four seasons with the program.

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What’s next

The Toreros will now begin their search for a new head coach to lead the program in a new direction and help them return to the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

San Diego's decision to part ways with Steve Lavin highlights the program's struggles to find consistent success in recent years. As a mid-major program, the Toreros are looking to establish themselves as a contender in the West Coast Conference and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nearly two decades.