Sports25 March, 20263 min read
Butler University Names Ronald Nored Men's Basketball Head Coach
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Butler named Ronald Nored as its new men's basketball head coach. Alumnus Ronald Nored played for Butler in 2010-11 Final Four runs.
Official Announcement
Butler University officially announced the hiring of Ronald Nored as its next men's basketball head coach on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The appointment marks a significant homecoming for the 2012 Butler graduate and former standout player.
“Butler basketball has hired former Bulldogs player Ronald Nored as its coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta, a Butler alum who coached the Bulldogs for five seasons in two stints.”
Nored replaces Thad Matta, who retired after a four-year stretch where the Bulldogs posted a 63-69 record with losing seasons in Big East conference play. The 36-year-old coach will be publicly introduced to the Butler and Indianapolis communities at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Friday, March 27, at noon.
Playing Legacy
Nored's playing career at Butler established him as one of the program's most accomplished student-athletes. As the starting point guard from 2008-2012, he played a pivotal role in leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back NCAA national championship game appearances in 2010 and 2011. During his four-year career, Nored started 125 of his 143 appearances, averaging 5.8 points, 3.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
He remains Butler's career leader in games played (143) and postseason games played (16), while also earning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year honors in both 2010 and 2012. Nored also earned Academic All-America recognition as a senior, further cementing his status as a well-rounded student-athlete.
Coaching Journey
Prior to returning to Butler, Nored built an extensive coaching career spanning over a decade, primarily at the professional level. His coaching journey began immediately after graduation with a head coaching position at Brownsburg High School in 2012-13. He then progressed through the NBA coaching ranks, starting with the Maine Red Clows in the NBA G-League during the 2013-14 season.
“Nored brings experience coaching in various capacities for several NBA franchises, including the Hawks, Pacers, Hornets and Celtics. He was also the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets' G-League team, the Long Island Nets, from 2016-18. He most recently served as a Hawks assistant coach over the past three seasons.”
Nored's NBA experience includes serving as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics (2014-15), Northern Kentucky University (2015-16), Long Island Nets head coach (2016-18), Charlotte Hornets (2018-21), Indiana Pacers (2021-23), and most recently the Atlanta Hawks (2023-26). This diverse coaching background at various levels of competition has prepared him for the challenges of leading a Division I basketball program.
Reactions & Quotes
Nored expressed tremendous excitement about his return to Butler, calling the coaching opportunity his 'dream job.' In a statement following the announcement, he emphasized his deep connection to the university, noting that as a player he 'poured blood, sweat and tears into this program.' The sentiment was echoed by Butler's leadership, with Athletic Director Grant Leiendecker describing Nored as 'the absolute best leader to spearhead the future of Butler basketball.'
President James Danko welcomed Nored back as 'a shining example of a Bulldog who was built at Butler while also positively impacting others and the university during his time as an undergrad.' The coaching transition also includes Thad Matta remaining connected to the program as a special assistant to the university president and athletic director.
Program Context
Nored takes over a Butler program that has faced recent challenges but maintains high expectations for success. The Bulldogs finished the 2025-26 season with a 16-16 record following a 91-81 loss to Providence in the Big East Tournament on March 11. Matta's tenure saw the Bulldogs struggle with winning records in Big East conference play, creating pressure for improvement.
“The Bulldogs finished the 2025-26 season with a 16-16 record following a 91-81 loss to Providence in the Big East Tournament on March 11. 'There is incredible momentum at Butler right now,' Nored said, 'and I can't wait to hit the ground running as we elevate Butler to new heights.'”
Nored's extensive NBA connections are expected to provide a competitive advantage, particularly in recruiting and player development. His experience working alongside elite coaches and athletes at the highest level of basketball positions him well to elevate Butler's performance. The new coach has already acknowledged the 'incredible momentum at Butler right now' and expressed eagerness 'to hit the ground running as we elevate Butler to new heights,' indicating his commitment to restoring the program to national prominence.
