NEW YORK — Steve Lavin’s future at St. John’s is in doubt and the school’s administration is engaging in various discussions this week that could determine his future, multiple sources told SNY.tv.
“They’re meeting either this weekend or Monday to discuss the fate of Lavin,” one source said.
Asked what it meant for Lavin’s future at the school, the source said, “Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.”
A second source said various administrators had already had one meeting about Lavin’s future this past weekend and were planning a conference call soon to discuss the next steps.
“I’d be shocked if he ever survived this,” the second source said.
“I’ll tell you what, it will be an interesting week,” a third source said.
Lavin’s buyout is $2 million.
St. John’s lost Friday night to San Diego State in Charlotte in the Round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament, and the following morning Lavin told reporters he expected to receive an extension on his original six-year contract before entering his final season next year.
“Yeah, sure,” Lavin said.
Asked if he needed an extension to be effective, he said, “Oh yeah, of course.”
The first source also said there was a “little bit of a power struggle” going on between at least one of the program’s financial backers and some members of the administration about what direction St. John’s should take moving forward.
The source indicated that at least one of the financial backers would like a “young, hungry” coach to replace Lavin, whereas some in the administration may want a more established name, perhaps even a former St. John’s legend.
“Certain people want to go in different directions,” the source said.
Lavin, 50, is 226-133 for his career at UCLA and St. John’s, including an 81-55 mark with the Red Storm. He has guided them to two NCAA Tournaments and two NITs.
Photo: USA Today Sports
