Craig Esherick (born October 2, 1952) is an American former college basketball coach, best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Georgetown University men’s basketball team from 1999 to 2004.
Early life and playing career
Escherick grew up in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and attended Georgetown University, where he played as a guard on the Hoyas’ basketball team from 1972 to 1975. He graduated with a degree in history.
Coaching career
After completing his playing career, Escherick joined the Georgetown basketball staff as a graduate assistant in 1975. He was promoted to an assistant coaching position in 1978 and served under head coach John Thompson Sr. for 21 seasons. During this period, Georgetown achieved multiple Big East regular‑season and tournament titles and made several deep runs in the NCAA tournament, including the 1984 national championship.
In January 1999, following Thompson’s resignation due to health concerns, Escherick was named interim head coach and was later appointed the permanent head coach in May 1999. Over five full seasons (1999–2004), his teams compiled an overall record of 75 wins and 82 losses. Highlights of his head‑coaching tenure include:
- Leading the Hoyas to the 2000 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) championship.
- Securing three consecutive NIT appearances (1999–2001).
Escherick’s teams struggled to maintain the high level of success achieved under Thompson, and on March 16, 2004, Georgetown University announced that he would not return as head coach. He was succeeded by John Thompson III, the son of his predecessor.
Post‑coaching activities
Following his departure from Georgetown, Escherick worked as a basketball consultant and analyst, participating in community outreach and youth basketball programs in the Washington, D.C., area. He has also served on various committees related to college athletics governance.
Personal life
Escherick is married and has children. He remains involved in the Washington, D.C., basketball community and is recognized for his long‑standing association with Georgetown athletics.
Legacy
Craig Escherick is noted for his lengthy service to Georgetown basketball, first as a player, then as a long‑time assistant, and finally as head coach. His career reflects a transitional period in the program’s history, bridging the era of John Thompson Sr. and the subsequent resurgence under John Thompson III.
