LSU Basketball Coach Matt McMahon Faces Uncertain Future

ESPN insider reveals pressure on McMahon to make NCAA Tournament or face job reevaluation

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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LSU men's basketball coach Matt McMahon is nearing the end of his fourth season with the Tigers, and his job status is in question. The team currently sits at 15-14 overall and 3-13 in SEC play, and has yet to make the NCAA Tournament under McMahon's leadership. ESPN insider Jeff Borzello reports that LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry has made it clear to McMahon that the team needs to make the NCAA Tournament this season, or he will be "forced to reevaluate" McMahon's future.

Why it matters

LSU is a basketball-focused school that has high expectations for its men's program. The Tigers have made the NCAA Tournament nine times since 2000, but have missed out the last four seasons, including the first three under McMahon. With an $8 million buyout on his contract, the school faces a difficult decision on whether to retain McMahon if he fails to lead the team to the Big Dance this year.

The details

In his four seasons at LSU, McMahon has yet to guide the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament. This year's team has struggled mightily in SEC play, going just 3-13 after a 12-1 start to the season. The team's struggles have been exacerbated by the absence of star point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who has missed most of conference play due to a foot injury.

  • LSU is nearing the end of the 2022-23 regular season, with two games remaining before the SEC Tournament.
  • McMahon is in the fourth year of a contract that runs through the 2028-29 season.

The players

Matt McMahon

The current head coach of the LSU men's basketball team, who is in his fourth season with the Tigers.

Verge Ausberry

The athletic director at LSU, who has reportedly made it clear to McMahon that the team needs to make the NCAA Tournament this season.

Dedan Thomas Jr.

The star point guard for LSU, who has missed most of the team's SEC play this season due to a foot injury.

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What they’re saying

“Athletic director Verge Ausberry raised the temperature on Matt McMahon last month, telling the Baton Rouge Advocate he'd made it clear to McMahon that the Tigers needed to make the NCAA tournament, or he would be forced to 'reevaluate.'”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN insider (on3.com)

What’s next

LSU has two regular season games remaining, including a road trip to Auburn on Tuesday and a home game against Texas A&M on March 7 for Senior Day. The Tigers will then compete in the SEC Tournament, where they will need a strong performance to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

The takeaway

Matt McMahon's future at LSU hangs in the balance as the Tigers struggle to make the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight season under his leadership. With an $8 million buyout on his contract, the school faces a difficult decision on whether to retain McMahon if he fails to guide the team to the Big Dance this year, especially given LSU's high expectations for its basketball program.