Billy Wright

Teams coached: Western Illinois Leathernecks
Western Illinois record: 53-115 (.315)
Overall record: 53-115 (.315)

William Eugene Wright, Jr.
Born September 15, 1974
Hometown: Richmond, Indiana
Alma Mater: Bradley University (BA, 1996)
Played at Richmond HS (IN), leading the team to a state title in 1992, before moving on to play four seasons under Jim Molinari at Bradley
Started his coaching career in Indianapolis, spending five years as the JV coach at Ben Davis HS and another five years as an assistant at Pike HS
- Took over as the head coach at Pike in 2006, coaching the team for two seasons
- Coached three future NBA players during his time at Pike: Courtney Lee and brothers Jeff and Marquis Teague
Joined the college ranks in 2008, joining his former coach Jim Molinari’s staff at Western Illinois as an assistant
- Elevated to associate head coach in 2010, staying in this position for the next three seasons
Spent one year as an assistant coach under James Whitford at Ball State
Returned to Western Illinois in 2014 as the Leathernecks’ new head coach
- Wright was fired in March 2020 after going 53-115 in six seasons at the helm
Wright briefly rejoined Whitford‘s staff at Ball State in May 2021 before taking over as the head coach at his alma mater, Richmond HS (IN), the following month
Along with his wife, Monica, has one son