Overview
- Butler is hiring former point guard Ronald Nored to replace recently retired Thad Matta, according to multiple reports, with CBS Sports reporting a deal is in place and an announcement expected.
- Nored, 36, starred as Butler’s defensive-minded floor leader from 2008 to 2012 and helped the Bulldogs reach back-to-back national title games under Brad Stevens.
- His coaching path runs from a high school start to the Boston Celtics’ G League affiliate, a head job with the Long Island Nets, and assistant roles with the Hornets, Pacers, and most recently the Atlanta Hawks.
- The change follows five seasons under Matta, during which Butler went 16-16 in 2025–26 and has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
- CBS Sports reports Nored emerged over Akron coach John Groce in the final mix, and the program expects at least $9 million in revenue sharing and NIL support in 2026–27 to back the reset.