Justice Withdraws From Coaching Consideration

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has withdrawn from consideration as the coach of a boys high school basketball team where he already is the girls coach.

In a letter to the Greenbrier Board of Education on Tuesday, Justice asked that a boys coach be named soon at Greenbrier East High School with practices for the 2021-22 season starting in a month.

Last month the board rejected a motion to hire Justice as boys coach. The board is looking to replace former NBA player Bimbo Coles, who resigned in July.

“We need to move forward,” Justice said. “Pick a coach. The kids deserve that, and I wish them all the success.”

Justice served as the boys coach from 2010 to 2017, his first year as governor. He has coached the girls team since 2000, winning a state championship in 2012.

Justice’s second term as governor runs through 2024.