Elon University Athletics

Steve Robinson joined the Elon men’s basketball staff as special assistant to the head coach following a distinguished 42-year coaching career that included three national championships, eight Final Four appearances and 31 trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Robinson arrived at Elon after spending four seasons as an assistant coach at Arizona from 2021-25. He helped guide the Wildcats to four conference championships, including two Pac-12 regular-season titles and two Pac-12 Tournament crowns. Arizona advanced to the Sweet 16 three times during his tenure in Tucson.

Before joining Arizona, Robinson spent 18 seasons as an assistant coach at North Carolina under Hall of Fame head coach Roy Williams. The Tar Heels won three NCAA national championships and made four Final Four appearances during Robinson’s time in Chapel Hill.

Robinson played a significant role in recruiting and player development during one of the most successful stretches in North Carolina history. Among the notable players he coached or recruited throughout his career are Paul Pierce, Danny Green, Harrison Barnes, Ty Lawson, Raymond Felton and Caleb Love. In total, Robinson coached or recruited more than 60 players who went on to reach the NBA.

Robinson also spent seven seasons as a Division I head coach, compiling a 110-104 career record at Tulsa and Florida State. He led Tulsa to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a conference championship during his two seasons with the Golden Hurricane.

Robinson began his coaching career at his alma mater, Radford, before serving as an assistant coach at Cornell. He later joined Williams’ staff at Kansas, helping the Jayhawks make four NCAA Tournament appearances, before becoming the head coach at Tulsa.

After two seasons at Tulsa, Robinson was named the head coach at Florida State. He led the Seminoles to the 1998 NCAA Tournament and a victory over fifth-seeded TCU in the opening round.

Widely respected throughout the coaching profession, Robinson was inducted into the A STEP UP Assistant Coach Hall of Fame in 2019. He also was recognized multiple times as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches and recruiters during his career.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Robinson earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Radford in 1981 and completed his master’s degree in counseling in 1985. He has been inducted into the halls of fame at William Fleming High School, Ferrum Junior College and Radford University.

Robinson and his wife, Lisa, have four children, daughters Shauna and Kiaya and sons Tarron and Denzel. Tarron is married to Kathryn, while Kiaya is married to Will Artis. The Robinsons also have two grandchildren, Chloe and Cole.

Last updated: July 21, 2026