Esherick grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and graduated from Springbrook High School in 1974 as an all-state forward.
During his 5½-season tenure, Esherick came under growing criticism for the weak non-conference teams he scheduled, and his inability to close out tight games.
After Esherick took over the team on January 8, 1999, Georgetown finished the 1998–99 season with a record of 15–15 before falling to Princeton Tigers in the first round of the 1999 National Invitation Tournament.
[5] He indicated to the press late in the 2003–04 season that his position as head coach was secure,[5] that he had a good recruiting class joining the team for the following season[5] – it included future stars Jeff Green, Roy Hibbert, and Jonathan Wallace[6] – and that they should "stay tuned,"[5] and Georgetown president John DeGioia gave him a public show of support around the same time.
‡ John Thompson Jr. resigned on January 8, 1999, with Georgetown's record at 7–6 overall and 0–4 in the Big East; Esherick coached the rest of season.