Lamar University has made a significant change in its athletic leadership, parting ways with men's basketball head coach Alvin Brooks. This decision comes after a challenging five-season tenure, culminating in the Cardinals' recent failure to secure a spot in the Southland Conference tournament. The university expressed gratitude for Brooks's contributions while signaling a new direction for the program.
Lamar University Initiates Search for New Men's Basketball Coach Following Brooks's Departure
On a Tuesday in early March 2026, Lamar University officially announced its decision not to retain Alvin Brooks as the head coach for its men's basketball team. This development follows the Cardinals' conclusion of their season on Monday, marked by an eight-game losing streak and a final record of 7-15 in the Southland Conference, which placed them just outside the qualification zone for the eight-team conference tournament.
Jeff O'Malley, Lamar's athletic director, issued a statement extending appreciation to Coach Brooks and his coaching staff for their dedicated efforts to the men's basketball program. O'Malley acknowledged Brooks as a distinguished inductee into the Cardinal Hall of Honor and conveyed best wishes to him and his family for their future endeavors.
Brooks, who is 66 years old, concluded his playing career at the Beaumont, Texas-based university in 1981. He then served as an assistant coach at Lamar for five years before transitioning to a role at Houston. In 1993, he was promoted to head coach of the Cougars, a position he held for five seasons. A native of Houston, Brooks has dedicated his entire coaching career to Texas, including assistant coaching roles at institutions such as Texas Tech, North Texas, UTEP, and Texas A&M, in addition to over a decade at Houston before returning to Lamar.
During his time at Lamar, Brooks achieved a record of 62-95. Combined with his head coaching record of 54-84 at Houston, his overall career record stands at 116-179. Notably, he did not guide either team to an NCAA Tournament appearance. Lamar University confirmed that it has commenced a nationwide search to identify Brooks's successor, aiming to bring in new leadership to guide the men's basketball program forward.
The departure of Coach Brooks marks a pivotal moment for Lamar University's basketball program. It underscores the high expectations within collegiate athletics and the constant drive for competitive success. For the university, the challenge now lies in finding a leader who can inspire and rebuild, aiming to elevate the team's performance and secure a more prominent position in future conference tournaments. For Brooks, it signifies the end of a chapter with his alma mater, prompting reflection on a long and dedicated career in coaching.