Butler hires former player Ronald Nored as coach

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th March, 11:12 2026

Ronald Nored, former Butler basketball player, gives a speech during Butler University's hall of fame ceremony Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University in Indianapolis. Sports Butler Basketball Hall Of Fame

Butler hired former Bulldogs point guard Ronald Nored to succeed Thad Matta as head coach on Wednesday.

Nored, 36, had worked as an assistant coach in the NBA since 2018 and was with the Atlanta Hawks since 2023.

He was a two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and played in two NCAA Tournament championship games (2010, 2011) with Butler, where he is the Indianapolis school's career leader in games played (143) and steals (207).

"The term 'dream job' doesn't do justice to how I feel about the opportunity to lead the Butler program," Nored said. "Butler is an incredibly special place. As a player, I poured blood, sweat and tears into this program. No one appreciates both the responsibility and the potential that comes with this position more than me. Passionate fans, Hinkle Fieldhouse, the Big East, storied tradition, a world-class education, a thriving city ... there is incredible momentum at Butler right now and I can't wait to hit the ground running as we elevate Butler to new heights."

Matta, 58, announced his retirement on March 16 after compiling a 502-223 record across 21 seasons at Butler (2000-01, 2022-26), Xavier (2001-04) and Ohio State (2004-17).

Nored was head coach of the NBA G League's Long Island Nets from 2016-18. He has been an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers and Hawks.

"In a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, our priority was identifying the absolute best leader to spearhead the future of Butler Basketball. Ronald Nored is that leader," athletic director Grant Leiendecker said.

"Ron is a relentless worker with an elite basketball IQ and a proven track record of developing talent at the highest level of basketball. He is the ultimate competitor, and he will cultivate that same quality within his team and staff. He is a gifted relationship builder who commands respect through his character and his craft. While he understands the soul of this university, we didn't hire him for his history here -- we hired him for his vision of what we can become and how we will get there."

Leiendecker and Nored were basketball teammates with the Bulldogs.

Butler went 16-16 in 2025-26, including 7-13 in the Big East. The Bulldogs have not been to the NCAA Tournament since the 2017-18 season.

--Field Level Media