Coaches Dossier
Head Men’s Basketball Coach | University of San Diego
The Opportunity
The University of San Diego (WCC) offers a unique high-ceiling position in a premier location. Historically capable of reaching the NCAA Tournament (4 appearances), the program benefits from the prestige of the WCC but faces the challenge of competing with resources below the league’s top tier (Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s). The next head coach will inherit a program with recent facility upgrades (Jenny Craig Pavilion renovations) and a new athletic director committed to modernizing revenue streams.
Decision Makers
James T. Harris III
University President
Kimya Massey
Athletic Director
Hired: 2024 (via Oregon State)
Jessica Goerke
Deputy AD / COO
Key Administrator
Financial Intelligence
Salary Data
*Based on recent tax filings (Form 990) and EADA estimates.
Operational Support
Basketball Facilities
Basketball Performance Center
Status: New Construction (Opened April 2025) | Cost: $35M
- 28,000 sq. ft. dedicated practice facility for MBB & WBB
- Full-size practice courts available 24/7
- Dedicated strength & conditioning center and sports medicine hub
- Player lounges, nutrition station, and high-tech video rooms
- New coaches’ offices overlooking the court
Jenny Craig Pavilion (“The Slim Gym”)
Status: Renovated 2024 | Capacity: 5,100
- Primary competition venue with an intimate, electric atmosphere
- New four-sided center-hung videoboard and ribbon boards (2024)
- Complete overhaul of sports lighting and audio systems
- Upgraded home locker rooms and team spaces
Program History & Trajectory
| Coach | Tenure | Record | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Lavin | 2022 – Present | In Progress | Current |
| Sam Scholl | 2018 – 2022 | 50-67 (.427) | Fired |
| Lamont Smith | 2015 – 2018 | 38-44 (.463) | Resigned (Conduct) |
| Bill Grier | 2007 – 2015 | 117-144 (.448) | Fired |
Key Donors & Stakeholders
- Jenny Craig Jenny Craig Pavilion Benefactor
- Darlene Marcos Shiley Chair Emerita, Major University Donor
- Purcell Family Golf Facility & Athletics Supporters
- The Olé Foundation Official NIL Collective for USD Athletes
University & Community Overview
San Diego, CA: Known for its mild year-round climate, natural deep-water harbor, and extensive beaches. The University of San Diego is a private Roman Catholic research university located on 180 acres overlooking Mission Bay.
Campus Profile: Ranked #98 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. Known for its stunning Spanish Renaissance architecture.