Winston-Salem State University has named Lester "Jay" Butler head men's basketball coach. Following a national coaching search, Butler was selected from a competitive pool of candidates to lead the Rams into their next era of excellence.
Butler 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.
Most recently, Butler served as head men's basketball coach at Virginia Union University, where he led the program to multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances during his 11-year tenure. His career includes a 372-239 record, nine 20-win seasons and eight NCAA Division II tournament appearances.
This year, Butler was named the CIAA Coach of the Year for the third time, and his team earned the CIAA Team High Academic Award. 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.Â
Prior to becoming head coach at UDC, he served as an assistant coach for two seasons. He was responsible for travel, scouting, working with the guards, pre-season conditioning, academic coordinating, and various other duties. He also served as the recruiting coordinator and signed four Junior College All-Americans, a 2nd-Team All-ICAA selection, and a 1,000-point career scorer in his short stint as assistant at UDC.
A 1998 graduate of Virginia Union University with a degree in criminal justice, Butler played for legendary coach Dave Robbins, and was a key member of the Panther basketball program. He helped Virginia Union capture three straight CIAA championships and make four NCAA Division II appearances. In 1996, Butler's senior season, he guided the team to the NCAA Division II Final Four. Butler finished his career at Virginia Union 107-14 won-loss record. Butler served as team captain from (1994-1996).Â
A native of Washington D.C., Butler graduated from Archbishop Carroll High in 1992 where he earned All-Metro honors and Honorable Mention All-American.
Butler is a member of various organizations including the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and the Black Coaches Association.
He has two children, Jatae and Lauryn.
