JAY BUTLER NEW WSSU HOOPS COACH:
After a national search, Winston-Salem State University named former Virginia Union head men’s basketball coach Lester “Jay” Butler as the Rams new head coach last Thursday, April 9.
Butler, moving from one CIAA program to another, brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, including 20 years as a head coach at the NCAA Division II level, with a proven record of championship success, player development and academic achievement. Butler’s experience in the CIAA and Division II landscape positions him to build on WSSU’s competitive tradition while advancing student-athlete success on and off the court.
He is replacing Corey Thompson who was let go before the end of the 2025-26 season after compiling a 12-37 record over two seasons. He was 7-15 in the 2025-26 season.
Most recently, Butler, a Washington, D. C. native, served as head men’s basketball coach at Virginia Union, his alma mater where he played under legendary head coach Dave Robbins. There, he posted a 195-132 record leading the program to two CIAA Tournament championships and four NCAA tournament appearances during his 11-year tenure.
Before VUU, Butler amassed a 177-107 mark during 11 seasons leading the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) winning two Independent Collegiate (ICAA) championships, one East Coast Conference Championship, and an East Coast Conference regular season championship. Butler led the Firebirds to four NCAA Championship appearances. He was inducted into in the UDC Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
His career includes a 372-239 record, nine 20-win seasons and eight NCAA Division II tournament appearances.
This past season, Butler was named the CIAA Coach of the Year for the third time, and his team earned the CIAA Team High Academic Award. The Panthers finished 25-6 overall, in second place in the CIAA North Division at 13-3 before bowing out in the quarterfinal round of the CIAA Tournament in Baltimore.
His Panthers went on to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Div. II Atlantic Region playoffs where they defeated West Liberty in the first round before falling in overtime to Indiana (Pa.) in the region semifinals.
In 2023, he was named HBCU Jerry Johnson NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year and NCAA Atlantic Region Co-Coach of the Year. He is a graduate of VUU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
As head coach, Butler will oversee all aspects of the men’s basketball program, including recruiting, player development, academic progress, scheduling and program operations.
“I am honored to join Winston-Salem State University and lead this historic program,” Butler said. “WSSU has a proud tradition, passionate supporters and a strong commitment to student success. I look forward to building a championship culture that reflects the values of this university and prepares our student-athletes for success on and off the court. I am deeply aware of the legacy that has been built here, and I am committed to honoring that tradition while building something this community is proud of for years to come.”
