Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., has appointed Keith Urgo as its new head basketball coach, marking a significant return to his alma mater for the 45-year-old coach. Urgo, a 1997 graduate of Gonzaga, began his coaching career there in 2004 before moving on to college basketball, including stints at Villanova, Penn State, and most recently Fordham. He replaces longtime coach Steve Turner, who left Gonzaga after 21 successful years to coach at Montverde Academy in Florida. Urgo was selected from over 40 candidates and impressed Gonzaga administrators and alumni with his dedication and excitement for the role. He immediately began engaging with the team and will head summer recruiting and basketball camps. Urgo expressed a deep personal connection to the school and sees his return as a full-circle moment, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining the high standards of the program .([The Washington Post][1])
Urgo’s coaching journey began at Gonzaga College High School, where he served as an assistant coach for the junior varsity team. He then moved on to Villanova University, where he spent several years in various roles, including video coordinator, director of basketball operations, and assistant coach. During his time at Villanova, the team made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the Final Four in 2009. Urgo later joined Penn State University, where he spent a decade as an assistant coach, contributing to the team’s success and development. In 2021, he returned to Fordham University as an associate head coach and was promoted to head coach in 2022. Under his leadership, Fordham achieved notable success, including a 25-8 record in his first season and an Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year award .([Fordham University Athletics][2], [The Washington Post][1], [New York Post][3])
Despite his early success at Fordham, Urgo’s tenure faced challenges in subsequent seasons. The team experienced a decline in performance, culminating in a last-place finish in the Atlantic 10 Conference in the 2024-2025 season. Additionally, the program was under investigation for recruiting violations, leading to a four-game suspension for Urgo during the regular season. Following these challenges, Urgo was dismissed from his position as head coach in March 2025 .([Times Union][4])
Now, as he returns to Gonzaga College High School, Urgo brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the institution. His appointment is seen as a positive step for the school’s basketball program, with expectations for a renewed commitment to excellence and development. Urgo’s familiarity with the school’s culture and values positions him well to lead the team to future success.