Caitlin Clark Reacts to Connor McCaffery's Butler Exit Connor McCaffery’s decision to leave the Butler Bulldogs coaching staff has sparked immediate attention, particularly from his girlfriend, Caitlin Clark. The young assistant coach, who spent two seasons guiding the program, announced his departure through Instagram, sharing a reflective post that highlighted his gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for his next chapter. While McCaffery did not disclose his future plans, Clark’s response quickly became a viral moment, underscoring the deep connection between the couple. McCaffery joined Butler in 2024 as his first full-time coaching role after a brief stint with the Indiana Pacers. During his time with the Pacers, he served as the Basketball Development Coordinator, overseeing the scout team and assisting with scouting reports. This experience provided him with foundational coaching skills, which he later applied at Butler under head coach Thad Matta. Despite the Bulldogs’ modest 15–20 record in the 2024–25 season and a slightly improved 16–16 mark in 2025–26, McCaffery’s tenure offered valuable exposure to college basketball, even as the team remained a middle-of-the-pack squad in the Big East and missed the NCAA Tournament. Before entering coaching, McCaffery built a reputation as a reliable player during his six seasons at the University of Iowa, where he appeared in 166 games. His basketball legacy is deeply rooted in his family, with his father, Fran McCaffery, leading Iowa’s men’s program and his brothers also involved in the sport. This familial connection has shaped his career trajectory, blending personal passion with professional ambition. Clark and McCaffery’s relationship began in April 2023 while both were at Iowa.#butler_bulldogs #caitlin_clark #thad_matta #indiana_fever #connor_mccaffery
Butler Basketball Coach Thad Matta Announces Retirement Thad Matta, the head coach of the Butler University Bulldogs, has announced his retirement from collegiate coaching after more than two decades of leading Division I programs. The decision comes after Matta completed his fourth season in his second stint as Butler’s head coach, marking the end of a storied career that spanned multiple schools and levels of competition. Matta will remain affiliated with the university as a special assistant to the president and athletic director, continuing to support the institution in a new capacity. In a statement, Matta reflected on his decision, stating, “After taking some time to reflect following the end of the season, I have decided that the time has come for me to step away from the sidelines.” He emphasized his deep connection to Butler, noting that his family’s love for the university brought him back to the program four years ago. “Butler has always meant more to us than just basketball,” he said, adding that his commitment to the school and its future remains unwavering. Matta expressed excitement about the program’s continued growth and its potential to compete at the highest levels of the Big East and nationally. Matta’s career record stands at 502 wins and 223 losses, with 13 appearances in the NCAA tournament. His tenure at Butler, which includes two separate stints as head coach, was highlighted by a 24-8 season in 2000-01 and a second-round NCAA tournament run. Before returning to Butler, Matta built a reputation as one of the most consistent coaches in college basketball during his time at Xavier and Ohio State. At Xavier, he led the Musketeers to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2004.#big_east #butler_bulldogs #thad_matta #grant_leiendecker #butler_university
Butler Basketball Coach Rumors: Odds Favor Candidates With Bulldogs Ties Thad Matta’s retirement as head coach of the Butler Bulldogs has left the program in search of a new leader, with athletic director Grant Leiendecker emphasizing the need to rebuild while maintaining the team’s identity. While the school has traditionally favored coaches with strong ties to Butler, Leiendecker clarified that such connections are not a strict requirement. “It’s important, but it’s not the biggest factor,” he said, highlighting the program’s unique approach to success through culture and teamwork rather than resources or star power. The Bulldogs’ “Butler Way” has long been defined by its emphasis on community, resilience, and collective effort, even amid challenges like limited resources and annual team rebuilding. Leiendecker acknowledged the difficulty of sustaining this model in a modern sports landscape but expressed confidence in the program’s ability to adapt. Among the potential candidates, former Butler player Ronald Nored stands out as the favorite, according to odds released by BetOnline.ag. Nored, who played for the Bulldogs in the early 2000s, is seen as a natural fit due to his deep familiarity with the program’s values. Other names on the list include Matta’s former assistant Jon Diebler, Indiana State coach Matthew Graves, and Illinois State coach Ryan Pedon. Gordon Hayward, the 2010 NCAA champion and a key figure in Butler’s recent success, also figures prominently in the conversation. The Brownsburg native led the team to its first Final Four appearance in 2010 and nearly upset Duke in the national championship game. His legacy and connection to the program make him a strong contender, though his odds are longer than Nored’s.#butler_bulldogs #thad_matta #grant_leiendecker #ronald_nored #gordon_hayward
Providence Friars vs. Butler Bulldogs Game Preview: March 11, 2026 Location: Madison Square Garden | Tournament Context: Big East Conference Key Matchup Insights: Historical Performance: Providence has a strong record against Butler, going 9-4 straight-up (SU) in their last 13 meetings and 8-1 against the spread (ATS) in the same span. Butler struggles in March, with a 3-7 ATS record in their last 10 games played in March. The total score has leaned toward the OVER in 12 of Providence’s last 17 games and 6 of Butler’s last 7 games against Providence. Recent Trends: Providence is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games as a favorite and 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games. However, they are 0-8 SU in their last 8 March games. Butler is 1-4 SU in its last 5 home games on a Wednesday and 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games overall. Conference Context: Both teams have faced Big East opponents recently, with Butler posting a 5-2 ATS record in such matchups. Game-by-Game Stats (Last 10 Games): Providence Friars: | Date | Opponent | Score | SU | Line | Total | ATS | FG% | FT% | 3PTM | |------------|----------|-------|-----|------|-------|------|------|------|------| | Mar 7, 2026| GTOWN | 79-80| L | +1.5 | 157.50| W/O | 48.21| 66.67| 13 | | Mar 4, 2026| MARQ | 56-78| L | -3.5 | 161.50| L/U | 30.91| 71.43| 7 | | Feb 28, 2026| CREI | 79-76| W | +3.5 | 166.50| W/U | 50.79| 87.50| 8 | | Feb 25, 2026| XU | 94-84| W | -5.5 | 170.50| W/O | 54.10| 76.00| 9 | | Feb 21, 2026| DPU | 71-68| W | +2.5 | 152.50| W/U | 51.02| 61.90| 8 | | Feb 14, 2026| SJU | 69-79| L | +7.5 | 167.50| L/U | 33.33| 83.33| 5 | | Feb 11, 2026| SETON | 80-87| L | +4.5 | 150.50| L/O | 49.02| 94.12| 14 | | Feb 7, 2026 | DPU | 90-72| W | -4 | 153.50| W/O | 58.93| 60.#madison_square_garden #big_east_conference #providence_friars #butler_bulldogs #march_11_2026
