Steve Lavin will no longer be the men's basketball coach at St. John's, the school announced Friday, after the two sides mutually parted ways.
The news comes days after reports said Lavin was in talks over a contract extension. The extension talk didn't last long, as reports later stated his job was in jeopardy.
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“Coach Lavin returned high expectations to our men’s basketball program and represented St. John’s in a positive way,” St. John's athletic director Chris Monasch said in a statement. “We appreciate his commitment to the program and to our student-athletes over the past five years. Our student-athletes represented the University well, especially our five-member senior class who excelled on the court, inside the classroom and within the community.”
Lavin had success with the Red Storm as he led them to the NCAA tournament this season. They lost to San Diego State in the second round last week.
“In life change is inevitable, so I take the long view. I'm grateful for my time teaching at St. John’s University,” Lavin said in a statement. “I will take with me the lasting friendships forged during my tenure as Head Coach. I'm proud of our results both on and off the court — in particular our memorable runs to the NCAA tournament in 2011 and 2015. Most importantly, I take pride in our performance in the classroom having graduated our student athletes who will represent the institution in a first class manner."
Lavin went 21-12 during the 2014-15 season and reached two NITs in five seasons. He compiled an 81-55 record while at the school. Lavin coached only four games in 2011-12 after undergoing prostate cancer surgery in October 2011.