Former associate head coach Trevor Dunbar will take the reins of Virginia’s track and field and cross country programs, as announced Friday by Director of Athletics Carla Willliams. A national search will commence to find the next permanent head coach.
Dunbar assumes the interim head coach position following former head coach Vin Lananna’s departure to serve as CEO of the USA Track and Field Foundation. Lananna was thrice recognized as the ACC Outdoor Coach of the Year, winning three ACC outdoor track and field championships and the 2025 ACC Men’s Cross Country title.
“I have been very fortunate throughout my career to work alongside visionary leaders, outstanding coaches and remarkable student-athletes,” Lananna said in a press release Friday. “Associate Head Coach Trevor Dunbar has been an integral part of the success of our outstanding student-athletes across all events. I am proud to hand the baton to this very passionate and capable leader.”
Dunbar arrived in Charlottesville as an assistant coach for distance runners in 2021 after a cumulative seven-year coaching career consisting of stints at Oregon, Boston University and California. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2025. During his time with Virginia, Dunbar oversaw three ACC outdoor championships, including two men’s and one women’s title, and the ACC men’s cross country championship.
Dunbar’s prowess as a distance coach was apparent. The Virginia men’s distance runners earned 68 All-ACC honors under his purview.
“I am excited to continue building positive relationships with our student-athletes, our staff and the Charlottesville community,” Dunbar said in a press release Friday. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of championship titles and an enriching student-athlete experience.”
As the programs head into the 2026-27 season, Dunbar will aim to sustain the success that Lananna returned to the program.
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