After a week of speculation, St. John’s has announced that a search is underway for a new head basketball coach after the school and Steve Lavin “mutually” parted ways.
“We thank Coach Lavin for his leadership and all of his contributions to the University,” St. John’s athletic director Chris Monasch said in a statement. “He infused excitement back into the program, brought us to the postseason four times and recruited student-athletes who excelled on the court, inside the classroom and within the community.”
Lavin had one year remaining on his original six-year deal he signed back in 2010.
Last week following the Redstorm’s loss to San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament, Lavin said he was confident that he would be offered an extension after bringing the school to two NCAA Tournament’s in five years. Ultimately that didn’t happen as the New York Post is reporting Lavin was seeking more money, something the school wasn’t willing to offer.
The 50-year-old was 81-55 at St. John’s however, he had a 6-13 record in March and a 2-8 record in post season play, with the last win coming in the first round of the 2012 NIT. Also, Lavin Struggled to keep a full roster. This season the team was limited to a rotation of six players with two players being ruled ineligible, multiple suspensions to players, and the failure to sign recruits.
Early rumors have Dan Hurley, Bobby Hurley, and St. John’s legend Chris Mullin as the lead candidates to replace Lavin.
