Butler Basketball Coaching Search Intensifies as Final Candidates Surface Butler University’s search for its next men’s basketball head coach has entered its second week without a clear resolution, as the school continues to evaluate potential candidates. Thad Matta’s abrupt resignation last month left the program without a leader, and with the coaching carousel in full motion across college basketball, the Bulldogs remain in the process of selecting their next head coach. According to a source close to the university, the search, led by athletic director Grant Leiendecker, is nearing its final stages, with a decision expected to be made by mid-to-late this week. Multiple names have emerged as serious contenders, though the process has been marked by uncertainty and competing interests. John Groce, the current head coach at Akron, has garnered support from at least one prominent figure within Butler’s inner circle. Groce, a Muncie native and former Butler assistant under Matta during the 2000-01 season, has a deep connection to the program. His coaching career includes stints at Xavier, Ohio State, and Akron, where he has compiled a 197-94 record in nine seasons. This season, Groce guided Akron to its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, marking the program’s fourth such berth in five years. Ronald Nored, an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, is another name under consideration. Nored’s relationship with Leiendecker, who played alongside him at Butler during the school’s back-to-back national championship runner-up campaigns in 2010 and 2011, is seen as a key factor in his favor. While Nored lacks head-coaching experience, his familiarity with the program and its culture could be a significant advantage for Leiendecker, who is navigating his first head-coaching search.#john_groce #grant_leiendecker #ronald_nored #butler_university #micah_shrewsberry
Butler hires Ronald Nored as next men's basketball coach Butler University officially announced on March 25 that Ronald Nored will serve as its new men’s basketball coach, succeeding Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season. Nored, 36, will become the 25th head coach in the program’s history, marking the first hire under athletic director Grant Leiendecker, who assumed the role in December 2024. Nored’s appointment was highlighted by his deep ties to the university, including his playing career at Butler. The former player and assistant coach joined the program as a student-athlete, contributing to Butler’s back-to-back national championship runner-up campaigns in 2010 and 2011. His relationship with Leiendecker, a fellow former player, played a significant role in the decision, as Nored was the only candidate without prior college head-coaching experience. Despite this, his familiarity with the program and its culture was seen as a key asset. In a statement, Nored expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, calling it “an incredibly special place” and emphasizing his commitment to the program’s legacy. He praised the university’s “storied tradition,” the Hinkle Fieldhouse, and the Big East conference, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. “There is incredible momentum at Butler right now,” he said, vowing to “hit the ground running” as the team aims to elevate its performance. Leiendecker praised Nored’s leadership qualities, noting his “relentless work ethic” and “elite basketball IQ.” The AD emphasized that Nored’s NBA experience would provide a competitive edge in the evolving college basketball landscape. “We didn’t hire him for his history here—we hired him for his vision of what we can become,” Leiendecker stated.#big_east_conference #grant_leiendecker #ronald_nored #butler_university #hinkle_fieldhouse
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
