St. John's, Steve Lavin agree to mutually part ways

St. John's and head coach Steve Lavin have agreed to part ways after five seasons, the school announced on Friday.  

There were reports recently that Lavin was in the process of negotiating a multi-year deal with the Red Storm. 

"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."

With Lavin as the Red Storm's 19th head coach, the team made two NCAA tournaments, including a recent 2015 appearance after recording a 10-8 Big East season, but fell to San Diego State in the second round. St. John's also clinched two NIT tournament berths under Lavin's leadership.  

"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."