Lavin To Johnnies Now Official

Shown here alongside Brent Musburger, Steve Lavin will now be hanging up the headset to return to the sidelines after reaching a deal to replace Norm Roberts at St. John's. (Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times)

For fans, alumni and media affiliated with St. John's University, (I can proudly call myself a member of each group) today marks the dawning of a new era; not to mention the return of one of the most successful programs in college basketball history to national prominence, as Steve Lavin was officially named as the new head coach of the Red Storm, finalizing a six-year deal worth an estimated $9 to $9.5 million, as reported by Roger Rubin of the New York Daily News.

Lavin replaces Norm Roberts, who was dismissed on March 19th after six seasons at the helm of the Johnnies, going 81-101 over that period, one that saw St. John's regain the integrity it lost during the infamous scandal in Pittsburgh that cost Mike Jarvis his job in the 2003-04 season. The move comes after St. John's was unsuccessful in attempts to lure Billy Donovan from Florida and Paul Hewitt from Georgia Tech. Lavin has already met with St. John's athletic director Chris Monasch and former coach Lou Carnesecca, and was reportedly on campus this morning to get a firsthand look at the Red Storm practice facilities.

Lavin will be introduced at a press conference tomorrow, with the time to be determined.