Steve Robinson, assistant coach for Arizona men’s basketball, has announced his retirement after a distinguished 42-year coaching career at the Division I level. Throughout his career, Robinson made 31 NCAA Tournament appearances, secured three national championships, reached the Final Four eight times, and claimed 18 conference regular season titles, along with eight conference tournament championships. He has also coached or recruited over 60 players who went on to play in the NBA.

Robinson expressed his gratitude, stating, “It has been an absolute honor to be on Coach Lloyd’s staff these last four years. Wildcat Nation has welcomed me and my family with open arms and we are forever grateful for that. After more than 40 years of coaching and mentoring young men from around the world, I feel it is the right time for me to step away and spend more time with my wife, our kids and our grandkids.” He also thanked former players, coaches, and managers for their impact on his life, noting the lifelong friendships and memories his family has gained from college basketball.

During his four seasons in Tucson, Robinson contributed to four conference championships for the Wildcats, including two Pac-12 regular season titles and two Pac-12 Tournament titles. Arizona advanced to the Sweet 16 in three of those seasons, with 14 players earning all-conference honors and two receiving All-American recognition.

Head coach Tommy Lloyd acknowledged Robinson’s significant contributions, saying, “We are grateful that Coach Robinson and his family took the chance on me and moved to Tucson to help a first-time head coach. From the first day, he brought a wealth of knowledge and experience that few coaches in the country have.” Lloyd praised Robinson’s remarkable career, spanning four decades and involving some of the best basketball players, emphasizing his integrity and respect. He concluded by wishing Robinson and his wife, Lisa, all the best in retirement.

Before his tenure at Arizona, Robinson served as an assistant coach at North Carolina under Roy Williams from 2003 to 2021. During this time, the Tar Heels won three national championships, and Robinson mentored three Cousy Award winners. He also spent the 2002-03 season as an assistant coach at Kansas with Williams. Robinson’s head coaching experience includes leading Florida State to the second round of the 1998 NCAA tournament and guiding Tulsa to two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 1995 to 1997. Prior to becoming a head coach, he held assistant positions at Kansas, Cornell, and Radford.

In 2019, Robinson was inducted into the A STEP UP Assistant Coach Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the hall of fame at William Fleming High School, Ferrum Junior College, and Radford University. Robinson is married to Lisa and has four children: Shauna, Kiaya, Tarron, and Denzel. Tarron and his wife, Kathryn, have two children, Chloe and Cole.