Lamar Parts Ways with Coach Alvin Brooks

The school announced the decision after the team missed the conference tournament.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lamar University has decided not to retain men's basketball coach Alvin Brooks after five seasons. The Cardinals finished the season 7-15 in the Southland Conference, missing the eight-team conference tournament by one game. Lamar athletic director Jeff O'Malley thanked Brooks and his staff for their hard work and dedication, and said the school has begun a national search for a successor.

Why it matters

Lamar's men's basketball program has struggled in recent years, and the decision to part ways with Brooks signals the school's desire to find new leadership to turn the team around and compete in the Southland Conference.

The details

Brooks, 66, completed his playing career at Lamar in 1981 and spent the next five years there as an assistant coach before joining Houston. He was promoted to head coach of the Cougars in 1993 and spent five seasons in charge. Brooks has spent his entire coaching career in Texas, with assistant roles at several universities before returning to Lamar as head coach. During his five seasons as Lamar's head coach, Brooks compiled a 62-95 record.

  • Lamar's season ended on Monday with their eighth loss in a row.
  • The school announced the decision to part ways with Brooks on Tuesday.

The players

Alvin Brooks

A decorated member of the Lamar Cardinal Hall of Honor, Brooks was the head coach of the men's basketball team for the past five seasons.

Jeff O'Malley

The athletic director at Lamar University, who thanked Brooks and his staff for their hard work and dedication to the men's basketball program.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to personally thank Coach Brooks and his staff for their hard work and dedication to our men's basketball program. Alvin is a decorated member of the Cardinal Hall of Honor and we wish him, and his family, all the best moving forward.”

— Jeff O'Malley, Lamar Athletic Director (austinnews.net)

What’s next

Lamar has begun a national search for a new head coach to lead the men's basketball program.

The takeaway

Lamar's decision to part ways with Coach Brooks signals the school's desire to find new leadership to turn around the struggling men's basketball program and compete in the Southland Conference.