West Virginia announces hire of Johnny Estelle as assistant coach

On Monday, West Virginia announced it has hired Johnny Estelle as a men’s basketball assistant coach. Estelle was an assistant coach the past two seasons at North Texas under new WVU head coach Ross Hodge.

“It is an absolute honor and blessing for my family and I to be able to join coach Hodge at West Virginia University,” Estelle said. “West Virginia is one of the most prestigious programs in the country and possesses a rich winning tradition and culture that definitely aligns with the values of coach Hodge.

“I have known him for 25 years and have been fortunate to witness his successful evolution from the student-athlete, assistant coach and a head coach. His impeccable character, work ethic, knowledge and ability to develop strong relationships with his student-athletes and staff makes him an impactful transformational leader and one of the best head coaches in the country.”

In his two seasons at North Texas, Estelle helped the Mean Green post a 46-24 overall record and a 24-12 mark in the American Athletic Conference. The program reached the NIT in each of Estelle’s season on the staff.

Estelle was a mentor to guards Jason Edwards and Atin Wright, who each reeled in All-AAC First-Team honors. For his efforts in the 2023-24 season, Estelle was named the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Division I Assistant Coach of the Year. Ross Hodge is excited to continue to work with Estelle.

“Johnny’s impact will be felt all throughout the program,” Hodge said. “He is intentional and has a unique ability to develop impactful relationships that last. He has been inducted into two separate hall of fames, which speaks directly to his ability as a basketball coach and his influence as a person.”

Before joining Hodge’s staff at North Texas, Estelle was Texas A&M-Kingsville‘s head coach for nine seasons. While there, Estelle led the program to 137 wins and four NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.

For reference, Texas A&M-Kingsville had only made four national tournament appearances in their 89-year history before Estelle took the helm. Estelle also was the head coach at Navarro College for six years.

While in the driver’s seat at Navarro College, Johnny Estelle averaged 25 wins a year, won four Region XIV championships, the 2013 Lone Star Conference East Division championship and reached the 2010 NJCAA National Tournament semifinal round.

Now, he and Hodge will look to bring similar success to West Virginia. Hodge has been hard at work this offseason, already reeling in eight transfers to replace the six players who transferred out of the program.