Virginia Union University will begin the search for a new men’s basketball head coach after Lester “Jay” Butler stepped down from his role to accept the same position at Winston-Salem State. The move brings an end to Butler’s long and successful tenure leading the Panthers program in Richmond, Virginia.
Butler spent more than a decade building Virginia Union into one of the strongest programs in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). His departure marks a significant moment for the program as it prepares for a new chapter.
Butler Moves to CIAA Rival Winston-Salem State
Winston-Salem State officially announced Butler as its new men’s basketball head coach. The role mirrors the position he held at Virginia Union, where he guided the Panthers for 11 seasons.
Both universities acknowledged the coaching change, and the Virginia Union alumni community also released a message recognizing Butler’s time with the Panthers.
HBCU Head Basketball Coach openings, as Virginia Union Coach Lester "Jay" Butler heading to Winston-Salem State
— HBCU Premier Sports & More (@HBCUSports1) April 9, 2026
☆ Alabama State
☆ Allen (W)
☆ Delaware State (W)
☆ Edward Waters
☆ Jackson State
☆ Kentucky State
☆ Lane College
☆ Lincoln PA (W)
☆ Mississippi Valley St… pic.twitter.com/g7D1tCSyJJ
The move keeps Butler within the CIAA conference. Winston-Salem State and Virginia Union regularly compete against each other, making the transition notable within the league.
Butler Built a Successful Program at Virginia Union
During his time in Richmond, Butler established a strong reputation for both competitive success and academic achievement within the basketball program.
His teams consistently competed for conference titles and made frequent appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Butler also earned recognition for his leadership and coaching impact.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tenure at Virginia Union | 11 seasons |
| Career Record | 372–239 |
| 20-Win Seasons | 9 |
| NCAA Division II Tournament Appearances | 8 |
| CIAA Championships | Multiple titles |
| CIAA Coach of the Year | 3 times (including most recent season) |
| Academic Achievement | CIAA Team High Academic Award (most recent season) |
| National Honors (2023) | HBCU Jerry Johnson NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year; NCAA Atlantic Region Co-Coach of the Year |
These accomplishments helped elevate the Panthers program and placed Butler among the most successful coaches in the school’s basketball history.
Virginia Union Preparing for Coaching Search
With Butler’s departure, Virginia Union will now begin the process of finding its next head coach. The university has not announced a timeline for the hiring process and has not named an interim replacement.
The program will look for a coach who can continue the competitive success Butler established while maintaining the strong academic performance that also defined the team during his tenure.
The Panthers have developed a consistent winning culture over the past decade, and the next coach will be expected to build on that foundation.
Also see: Watch “One Shining Moment” 2026: Michigan Celebrates NCAA Championship Victory
Butler Looks Ahead to New Opportunity
In a statement about his new role, Butler expressed excitement about joining Winston-Salem State and leading its basketball program.
He described the university as a place with a proud basketball tradition, passionate supporters and a strong commitment to student success. Butler also emphasized his goal of building a championship culture while preparing student-athletes for achievements both on the court and in the classroom.
As Butler begins this new chapter at Winston-Salem State, Virginia Union closes an important era in its basketball history and prepares to move forward with new leadership.
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