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USD Fires Men's Basketball Coach Amidst Allegations

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 9:38 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, New York, UNITED STATES

SAN DIEGO, CA - February 19, 2026 - The University of San Diego announced today the immediate termination of Lamont Smith's contract as head coach of the men's basketball team. The decision, made less than two years into a five-year deal, follows allegations of inappropriate behavior and a pattern of concerning conduct, raising serious questions about a recurring issue in collegiate athletics.

The university's statement, released this afternoon, was succinct but firm. "USD is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and providing a safe and respectful environment for all members of our community. Based on information gathered during a recent review, the university has determined that Smith's conduct is not in alignment with these standards." Notably, the statement stopped short of detailing the specific allegations, citing an ongoing investigation. This lack of transparency is already fueling speculation and calls for greater accountability within the program.

Lamont Smith assumed the role in April 2022, following the abrupt departure of Steve Antrim. During his 22-31 tenure, the Toreros failed to demonstrate significant improvement, but the dismissal isn't based on performance. The university is clearly signaling that off-court behavior played the decisive role. Sources close to the program, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggest the current investigation involves multiple complaints spanning Smith's time in San Diego.

This isn't the first time Smith's coaching career has been cut short amidst controversy. A disturbingly similar pattern has emerged from his previous stops. Prior to arriving at San Diego, Smith served as an assistant coach at UCLA under Mick Cronin. He was terminated in July 2021 after a female student alleged inappropriate comments. The details of those accusations, though widely reported at the time, were also subject to limited public disclosure due to privacy concerns and ongoing university investigations.

Before UCLA, Smith held the head coaching position at St. John's University from 2016 to 2019. While he compiled a 44-49 record during his three seasons with the Red Storm, his dismissal wasn't solely based on wins and losses. Reports indicated that internal friction and concerns regarding player management contributed to the decision. While the specifics differed from the UCLA incident, the consistent theme of behavioral issues is undeniable.

The repeated nature of these allegations raises uncomfortable questions about the vetting processes employed by universities when hiring coaches. How thorough are background checks? What mechanisms are in place to address concerns raised by players, staff, or students? Are universities prioritizing winning at the expense of ensuring a safe and respectful environment? The NCAA is under increasing pressure to implement stricter guidelines and oversight in these areas.

The University of San Diego faces an immediate challenge in stabilizing the program. An interim head coach is expected to be named within 48 hours, with a nationwide search for a permanent replacement likely to commence shortly thereafter. Assistant coach Chris Gerlufsen is considered a leading candidate for the interim role, given his familiarity with the team and the program's culture. However, the university will likely prioritize finding a candidate with not only a strong basketball pedigree but also a demonstrable commitment to ethical conduct and player well-being.

The Toreros are scheduled to play Gonzaga this Saturday. The atmosphere surrounding the game is certain to be charged, with fans and players alike grappling with the sudden change in leadership and the serious allegations that led to it. The university has indicated that it will provide updates on the investigation as appropriate, but concerns remain about the potential impact on the team's morale and performance for the remainder of the season.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in collegiate athletics. Universities must prioritize the safety and well-being of their students and employees, and they must be willing to take decisive action when misconduct occurs. The Lamont Smith case is likely to reignite the debate about the power dynamics within college basketball programs and the need for greater transparency and oversight.