PRIYA COOPER / SPORTS EDITOR

The University of San Diego recently announced that men’s head basketball coach, Steve Lavin, will not be returning for the 2026-2027 season. The school’s Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey, stated on Feb. 18 that Lavin will finish the current 2025-2026 season, completing  his  fourth season with the Toreros before moving on. 

USD released a statement from Kimya Massey. 

“I want to thank Coach Lavin for his time at USD and for his efforts leading our men’s basketball program,” Massey said. “As the Division I college basketball  landscape continues to shift, Lavin always demonstrated an  authentic concern for the well-being of our student-athletes and supported their growth both academically and in  the San Diego community. Over his tenure, his teams consistently produced strong  academic results. We appreciate his contributions and wish him the very best in  his  future  endeavors.” 

Lavin released an official statement about his expected leave  and  thanked  the  University. 

“As my coaching   tenure at  USD  begins  to  wind  down, I would like to   pause  and  express my heartfelt  appreciation to President Jim Harris for presenting this life-changing opportunity in 2022,” the statement from Lavin read. “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 having participated in our players’ journeys and the treasured relationships  forged  along  the  way.”

Lavin  was  loyal  to  the  Toreros in his remarks regarding his departure. 

“I’m grateful for our student-athletes’ efforts in representing this University in an exemplary manner,” Lavin said. “Additionally, it was a blessing to learn from my fellow coaching colleagues and their respective teams. I’ll always be indebted to my talented, hardworking staff. Last  but not least, a tip of the cap to our ‘‘True Blue’ loyal Torero fans.”

Lavin highlighted the University  and  all  of  the   staff who  help   make   athletics   possible. Lavin explained he will remain   with USD men’s basketball untill the end of their season. 

“The future of USD is full of promise as the essential elements of funding, facilities, and continuity are now in place to build a sustainable, winning program,” Lavin   said. “In  closing,  with three regular-season games remaining, our players and staff remain committed to the task of preparing for the postseason WCC Tournament.”

The news comes as a shock to many as men’s basketball has three games left in the season before  the West Coast Conference Championships. Lavin  has  a record: 46-79 overall in four seasons through Feb 18, 2026, with his best season in 2023-24 where  he led the team to a record of 18-15. While the 23-24 season was hopeful, the Toreros finished in last place  the  subsequent season and have been struggling since.

USD senior Deja Blount shared her thoughts on the recent changes announced. 

“Steve Lavin leaving USD was shocking  but  not surprising to me,” Blount said. “I think that it was bound to happen at some point. But I’m surprised it happened so late  into the season and I also think it’s interesting that they’re keeping him until the season is over. I’m really interested to see what’s next for the basketball team. I’m curious to see what their next moves are.” 

 Lavin is also one of the highest paid coaches and employees at USD. The compensation from Lavin’s first season was $890,076 and has only increased over the years. The starting salary was already $300,000 above what previous head coach Sam Scholl was making. Lavin was a former coach for UCLA and St. John’s.

Lavin has worked alongside assistant coaches John Moore, Patrick Sandle, Ryan Devlin, Billy McKnight and Alan Major. The head  coach recently made headlines as the current season has been marked with instability with the recent loss of the team’s lead point scorer. The Toreros’ current record stands at 11 wins and 18 losses. 

Last week, USD junior and point guard who had the lead in points scored, Ty-Laur Johnson abruptly left the team. Lavin gave a statement to USD Athletics media about the star players leaving.  

“I met with Ty-Laur Johnson earlier this week,” Lavin said. “We had a productive conversation, an extensive meeting related to his future at USD. And we’ve come to an understanding that it’s best for Ty, at this juncture, to focus on his health and academics. … Naturally, we wish him well with all future endeavors.”

Despite the statement, neither Lavin, the University nor Johnson provided specific details surrounding the decision. The circumstances behind his abrupt and indefinite departure remain unclear.

Johnson started 21 of 23 games for the Toreros this season. The point guard dropped a team-high of 14.6 points with 2.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. It is expected that Johnson will re-enter the transfer portal in search of his fourth different school in his four years of playing collegiate basketball.

USD men’s basketball Head Coach Steve Lavin led the team for four years. Photo courtesy of Emma-Kate Squires