Lamar parts ways with coach Alvin Brooks

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd March, 19:47 2026

Feb 24, 2026; Lubbock, Texas, USA; A general view of the game ball at the net in the second half of the game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Lamar will not retain men's basketball coach Alvin Brooks after five seasons, the school announced Tuesday.

The Cardinals' season ended Monday with their eighth loss in a row to finish 7-15 in the Southland Conference, missing the eight-team conference tournament by one game.

"I would like to personally thank Coach Brooks and his staff for their hard work and dedication to our men's basketball program," Lamar athletic director Jeff O'Malley said in a statement "Alvin is a decorated member of the Cardinal Hall of Honor and we wish him, and his family, all the best moving forward."

Brooks, 66, completed his playing career at the Beaumont, Texas university in 1981 and spent the next five years there as an assistant coach before joining Houston. He was promoted from assistant coach to head coach of the Cougars in 1993 and spent five seasons in charge.

A Houston native, Brooks has spent his entire coaching career in Texas, with assistant roles at Texas Tech, North Texas, UTEP, Texas A&M and another decade-plus at Houston before going back to Lamar.

Brooks went 62-95 at Lamar and 54-84 as the head coach at Houston, for a 116-179 overall record. He did not reach an NCAA Tournament.

Lamar said its national search for a successor had begun.

--Field Level Media