Coach Jonathan McIntyre: The Early Years
Coach Jonathan McIntyre has been a fixture in Charlotte-area basketball since the 1990s. A 1994 graduate of South Mecklenburg High School, he went on to attend UNC Greensboro, earning his degree in 1998. During his high school career, McIntyre played one season at Charlotte Christian under Hall of Famer Bobby Jones. He was teammates with Todd Fuller (NC State) and Anton Hubert (Kansas State) on a team that won the school’s first state championship. He also played a season at South Mecklenburg on a squad that reached the state championship game, ultimately falling to Southview High School when Jeff Capel (former Duke player and current Pitt head coach) hit a buzzer-beater.
McIntyre describes himself as a “role guy” on two outstanding teams, an experience that heavily influences how he coaches today — particularly in preparation, accountability, and building team culture. Notably, he and Jeff Coble (Davidson Day) may be the only coaches to have won an NCISAA state title both as players and as coaches.
The Coaching Résumé
Coach McIntyre has been coaching for 25 years and is in his 20th season at Providence Day — 19 years as an assistant and now his first year as head coach. He spent years learning under Brian Field and Ron Johnson. When Coach Johnson stepped away due to health issues, McIntyre took over, guiding the program through a smooth transition. That came despite a 0–4 start against what may have been the most difficult early-season schedule of any team in the state.
“I felt like it was a pretty smooth transition,” McIntyre said. “It helped that I’ve been at PD so long. I had strong relationships on campus and great support from the Athletic Department. The biggest challenge was finding my head coach voice. For 19 years, I was the supporting assistant voice — picking guys up, being the good cop when needed. I adjusted quickly and leaned into two things that have always served me well: putting the program first and leading with truth.
“No one player is more important than the program. I’ve been intentional about building strong relationships with every player so I can speak truth to them. It may not always be what they want to hear, but it comes from a place of care for them and for our program. I think our guys respect that.”
Providence Day Trending Upward
Providence Day is 19–6 and won 12 straight before losing to Cannon on the road this past week.
The Chargers opened the season 0–4 against Davidson Day, Gaston Christian, Christ School, and Concord Academy — all ranked among the top private school teams in North Carolina. While many coaches might have been frustrated, McIntyre remained positive, believing the challenging schedule would pay dividends later.
“I’m a big believer that you have to learn how to win,” he said. “I think back to our 2016 state championship team. That group had to learn how to win together in previous years. We were in big-time environments and failed a few times, but we learned.
“There’s a level of preparation, toughness, and execution required to compete at that level consistently. Of course, we weren’t okay with losing, but we had a brand-new starting five due to graduation and injuries, a new staff, a new offense, and a new defensive system. Then we opened with four of the most talented and well-coached teams in the state.
“Our team could have folded, but I’m most proud that we got closer. We’re better today because of that adversity. Our players deserve all the credit.”
An Elite Staff on the Sidelines
Having Shane Battier and Brian Field on staff has been, in McIntyre’s words, “a dream situation.”
“Brian Field was my first phone call,” he said. “He’s one of my best friends, and we accomplished a lot together. He agreed to help during June, fell in love with our guys, and stayed on. People ask if it’s weird that he’s now my assistant, but it’s never felt that way. He’s my biggest supporter.”
As for Battier:
“Shane is the cherry on top. We all know his background, but more importantly, he’s an amazing human being. From film study to the mental side of the game, our guys are getting NBA-level teaching every day. For me personally, his support, mentorship, and leadership have been incredible.”
Following Greats
Providence Day has a rich tradition, and stepping into a role previously held by Brian Field and Ron Johnson is no small task.
“I knew I could never fill their shoes,” McIntyre said. “They’re two of the best high school coaches to ever do it. The best advice I got was to simply be myself. I’ve taken things from both coaches but added my own personality.
“As someone who’s been alongside them for 19 years, my goal is to keep the program moving forward and respected. I do that by investing in our players daily, putting the program first, and continuing the winning tradition.”
While the Chargers lose seniors Deuce, Aidan, and Leighton, the future remains bright with Columbus Parker (6’1), Zeke Battier (6’8), and Dylan Bradley (6’5) leading the next wave.
Coaching Philosophy
Off the court, culture is the foundation.
McIntyre implemented a preseason boot camp that rewards not just basketball work, but also campus involvement, volunteer efforts, and leadership. He also introduced a formal leadership program.
“We say we don’t have leadership, but kids today often don’t know what that means. Teaching it has been very rewarding.”
On the court, Providence Day plays a fast-paced, free-flowing, positionless style built on movement, concepts, and ball sharing.
Developing Culture
“The most enjoyable part of this season has been watching our guys fully buy into the culture,” McIntyre said. “We’re truly a team-first program. That takes intention every day, especially with social media and outside noise pulling toward ‘me’ instead of ‘we.’
“Our guys trust their coaches, love each other, and play for each other. It’s the closest team I’ve had in 20 years of coaching. They’re great kids, and I’m fortunate to coach them.”