Bio

James Howard joined the Purple Knights' staff as the head coach of the University of Bridgeport's women's basketball program on May 11, 2023. 

Howard came to Bridgeport from NCAA Division I Georgetown University of the Big East Conference, where he served as the Hoyas' head coach for six seasons after being the program's associate head coach the two previous years.   

Prior to Georgetown, Howard spent four seasons at Bethune-Cookman University, including three as the associate head coach after beginning his tenure there as recruiting coordinator. 

Along with serving as the bench boss for the Georgetown women's program for the last six campaigns, Howard was the head women's basketball coach at Wesley (Del.) College from 1991-1997 where he was 75-69 over six seasons. In During his tenure as a head coach, James amassed a total 141 victories. 

His coaching experiences also includes stints in the women's programs at Howard University (associate head coach, 2008-2011), Delaware State University (assistant coach, 2007-08), George Mason University (assistant coach, 2000-2007), and the University of Maryland (assistant coach, 1999-2000, and director of basketball operations, 1998-1999). 

Howard began his coaching career in the men's game as a student assistant coach at Greensboro College for two seasons (1987-89). He then served as a men's assistant coach at Wesley College for two years, before switching to the women's game in 1991. 

He is a member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and the Black Coaches Association (BCA) and was chosen by the NBA to facilitate a coaches’ clinic in Bermuda.

Coach Howard received his bachelor's degree from Greensboro College in 1991.