Patrick Ewing attends the Georgetown Hoyas v UCLA Bruins game during the Legends Classic on November 19, 2012. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Patrick Ewing attends the Georgetown Hoyas v UCLA Bruins game during the Legends Classic on November 19, 2012. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

A famous former Hoya is about to dust off his old Georgetown key fob. The university is hiring Patrick Ewing to be the head coach of its basketball team, the Casual Hoya reports.

President Ronald Reagan with Patrick Ewing and John Thompson posing for cover of Sports Illustrated in the White House map room in November 1984. (Photo courtesy of the Reagan Library)

Ewing, who spent most of his NBA career as a New York Knick, helped cement Georgetown’s basketball program under coach John Thompson. Together, they brought the team to the NCAA championships three times, winning once.

The university fired John Thompson III, his son, late last month after more than a dozen years as the team’s top dog.

Georgetown ended the family dynasty after two consecutive losing seasons for Thompson III, but could start another—Ewing’s son, Patrick Ewing Jr., was on JTIII’s coaching staff.

The 54-year-old Hall of Famer is currently an associate head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, who are in town to play the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. The Vertical reported late last night that Ewing would formally interview for the job at Georgetown.

There was speculation that the gig might go to Notre Dame’s Mike Brey, a protege of Thompson’s biggest rival. Instead, it looks like the university is sticking with those near and dear to the heart of the Thompson family.

Back when Thompson III was still coach, radio host Dan Patrick asked Ewing whether he would consider taking on the role, The Washington Post notes.

“I’m rooting for JTIII. I think he’s done an outstanding job there,” Ewing said. “He’s been there, what, 13 years? He’s going through a tough time right now. I’m hoping they can turn it around. My son is on that staff, but if they call, if something happens and they call, I would listen. But my goal is to be a head coach in the NBA. But I would definitely listen to what they have to say. But, I’m for them.”

Georgetown has all but confirmed it:

Update: Georgetown confirms it.

“Patrick’s commitment to Georgetown and to further animating our legacy of excellence is inspiring,” said University President John J. DeGioia in a release. “He is a visionary leader with a deep connection to our community. His experience as a coach over the last 15 years with some of the best basketball minds in the country has prepared him to lead our program. We very much look forward to welcoming him back to our Hilltop as the Head Coach of our men’s basketball team.”

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