Report: Javan Felix hired as New Orleans assistant coach by Mark Slessinger

According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, New Orleans has hired Javan Felix as an assistant coach. Felix is just getting his feet wet in the coaching world, previously being on staff at Loyola-New Orleans. Now, the move up to Division I will be made with the Privateers.

“New Orleans coach Mark Slessinger has hired New Orleans native and former Texas guard Javan Felix,” Goodman said. “Played pro in Croatia and in the G-League, and has been assistant at Loyola-New Orleans the past two seasons – where they won national title in 2022. Always felt Felix would be a heck of a coach.”

To this point in his career, Felix is best known for playing his college basketball at Texas. He was a point guard for head coach Shaka Smart, spending four seasons in Austin. Felix averaged 9.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while on the 40 Acres.

Texas made three NCAA Tournaments while Felix was on the roster but never made it to the second weekend.

Arguably the most famous moment of Felix’s playing career came during a home game against North Carolina in Dec. 2015. Felix had the game-winning shot from behind the three-point line, giving Texas a massive nonconference win. It capped off an impressive 25-point performance, leading all scorers from both teams.

Felix began his professional career overseas before playing in the G League. His last appearance came with the South Bay Lakers in 2020. He decided to hang the playing shoes up and step into coaching shortly after.

Loyola-New Orleans was the first program to give Felix a shot and it paid off. The Wolf Pack finished with a 24-7 record, earning a share of the SSCA regular season title during the 2022-2023 season and then winning the conference tournament.

The year before, Loyola-New Orleans was crowned NAIA national champions. While it may not have been at the highest level, Felix already has experience with winning programs.

Felix will now be stepping into a new job under head coach Mark Slessinger. New Orleans has struggled under his guidance, having a winning record just twice in six seasons. However, the Privateers do have NCAA Tournament appearances in their history. The latest was in 2017, being a part of the First Four.

Members of the Southland Conference, it’s no doubt a one-bid league. Slessinger will be hoping Felix can help improve the team and get them back to the Big Dance.