Thad Matta saved Ohio State star's career after a DUI arrest Former Ohio State men’s basketball player J.J. Sullinger shared a heartfelt tribute to former Buckeyes coach Thad Matta, revealing how the coach’s support during a critical moment in his career helped him stay on the team. Sullinger recounted the incident in a social media post, detailing how he faced potential removal from the program after a DUI arrest in 2004. Sullinger described being pulled over for suspected driving under the influence on September 4, 2004, and subsequently detained. He called Matta around 2:30 a.m. to inform him of the situation, which occurred just days before Matta was set to be introduced as the new Ohio State coach during the home-opening football game. At the time, Sullinger believed his college career was over, but Matta took a different approach. The two met the following week, and Sullinger said Matta gave him a second chance. He described completing three key actions: writing over 350 hand-written apologies, committing to fitness, and preparing for his junior season. Sullinger emphasized that Matta’s decision to trust him, despite pressure from others, was instrumental in his eventual success. Sullinger went on to play his junior and senior seasons under Matta’s leadership, averaging 10.1 points and seven rebounds per game during the 2005-06 season. That year, Matta guided Ohio State to a Big Ten regular-season title and the program’s first March Madness bid in four years. The Buckeyes earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and reached the second round before falling to No. 7 Georgetown. In his social media post, Sullinger expressed gratitude for Matta’s support, calling him a “big reason” he is where he is today. He also highlighted the coach’s dedication to winning, writing, “Never get tired of preparing to win.#big_ten #ncaa_tournament #ohio_state #thad_matta #j_j_sullinger
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
Son of Former Iowa Basketball Coach Entering Transfer Portal Jack McCaffery, the son of former Iowa basketball coach Fran McCaffery, has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-foot-9 forward, who previously played for Butler, is seeking new opportunities after spending the 2024-25 season with the Bulldogs. McCaffery joined Butler in 2025 following his high school accolades, including being named Iowa’s Gatorade State Player of the Year. Ranked as the nation’s 144th overall player, he was also recognized as the top talent in Iowa and the 28th-best power forward according to 247Sports. McCaffery, a graduate of Iowa City West High School, made his collegiate debut with Butler but appeared in only nine games before opting for a medical redshirt. During his limited playing time, he averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 40% from the field, 21.4% from beyond the arc, and 75% at the free-throw line. His decision to transfer comes as Butler’s head coach, Thad Matta, announced his retirement following the Bulldogs’ 16-16 season, which included a 7-13 record in the Big East conference and a failure to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. The move marks a significant shift for McCaffery, who had previously committed to Butler after a standout high school career. With the transfer portal now open, he will have the opportunity to explore other programs while maintaining eligibility for the 2025-26 season. The decision highlights the evolving landscape of college basketball, where players increasingly seek new challenges and environments to further their careers.#thad_matta #butler #jack_mccaffery #fran_mccaffery #iowa_city_west_high_school
Butler's talented freshman class breaking up with 2nd player planning to enter transfer portal Butler's basketball freshman, Jack McCaffery, has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, according to The Field of 68. McCaffery becomes the second member of Butler's freshman class to declare his intent to transfer, following Jamie Kaiser Jr. This announcement comes a day after head coach Thad Matta announced his retirement. The transfer portal will not be open until April 7. McCaffery joined Butler as a four-star recruit, part of the school's most highly regarded recruiting class. The 6-foot-8 forward appeared in only nine games before complications from emergency dental surgery caused him to lose approximately 15 pounds, prompting him to seek a medical redshirt. During his limited playing time, he averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in a reserve role.#field_of_68 #butler #jack_mccaffery #thad_matta #transfer_portal
