After 12 years as Barry University’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Butch Estes has decided to resign his position to explore other opportunities so he can be closer to his family. Coach Estes released the following statement:
“After much thought and prayer, and with deep respect and gratitude, I have made the decision to depart from Barry’s head coaching position after 12 years of dedicated service. This decision was difficult and not made lightly.
Working here at Barry and leading this program has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of my long career. Throughout my tenure, I have been privileged to work alongside exceptional individuals within the Barry community, including administrators, staff, and fellow coaches. Then, there have been our remarkable and talented players and their families who really made all this happen. A special “thank you” to all of our assistant coaches who selflessly work extraordinary hours that allow us to be so successful. I would also like to recognize our alumni, friends, and fans who were always there with us, I will always cherish the relationships that have been built on and off the court as a result of my time in Miami Shores.
I also want to thank President Dr. [Mike] Allen and Athletic Director, Dr. [Scott] Smith for their support. I must also recognize our former President, Sister Linda, and our former AD, Mike Covone, who gave me this incredible opportunity to be part of this great Barry University family.
Finally, and most importantly a sincere thank you, love, and appreciation to my beautiful wife Tonya, and my two sons Brad and Drew. They have always been with me every step of the way.
Personal and professional reasons have led me to make this difficult choice, however, please know that I remain committed to supporting the team and University during this transition. As I embark on this new chapter in my professional journey, I want to again express my deepest gratitude to everyone for the privilege of serving alongside you.
May god bless. Sincerely, Butch Estes“
Coach Butch Estes was named head coach of Barry University’s men’s basketball team in April 2013. He carries an overall record of 688-449, including a 485-361 mark at the four-year level. Coach Estes led the Buccaneers to a 215-118 mark with two trips to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight and six trips to the national tournament. He is the only coach in school history to take five straight teams to the NCAA Tournament.
Prior to Barry, Estes coached for 30 years, his last stop at Palm Beach State College. Estes has won 11 Coach of the Year awards in his career, collecting at least one at every stop along his coaching journey. Estes’ first head coaching position was at Presbyterian College from 1980-85. He then spent nine years at Furman University from 1985-94. Following a five-years away from the court where Estes served as a basketball analyst for Fox Sports Network, he coached from 1999-2003 at Guilford College.
Dr. Scott Smith, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation, shared that “We have been blessed to have Coach Estes serve as our Head Men’s Basketball Coach for the past 12 years. Anyone who has followed Butch knows about his career success, not only at Barry, but over an extensive career, that includes stops at Presbyterian, Furman, Guilford, and several other great programs. He has set the bar high when you look at his winning percentage, trips to the NCAA, number of players competing professionally, and his individual awards. More importantly, he has been a pillar of the Barry University and Miami Shores community with his youth camps and community engagement activities. While it’s a sad day for our basketball program and the athletic department, we are excited for what lies ahead for Butch.”
Smith indicated that Butch will remain with the University throughout the spring semester and assist with the transition. A national search for the next men’s basketball coach will begin soon.
