Butler has hired Ronald Nored as its next head coach, the school announced on Wednesday. Nored, 36, played point guard for BU from 2008-12 under Brad Stevens, helping the Bulldogs reach the national championship game in 2010 and 2011. He is the program’s all-time leader in games (143), postseason games (16) and steals (2017).
“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.”
“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,” said Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker. “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. “
Nored has spent the past three seasons as an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks. He has more than a decade of coaching experience in the NBA, beginning in 2013 when Stevens brought him to the Boston Celtics organization. After two seasons with the Celtics (one with their G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws), Nored served an assistant at Northern Kentucky for one year (2015-16) and then landed a head coaching gig with the G League’s Long Island Nets (2016-18). He has also been as an assistant with the Charlotte Hornets (2018-21) and the Indiana Pacers (2021-23).
“(Ron’s) experience in the NBA provides us with a distinct competitive advantage as we navigate this new era of college basketball,” Leiendecker added. “He will attract an elite staff and student-athletes and build deep relationships within the Butler and Indianapolis communities. I have total confidence that Ron will put his own fingerprints on this program, set a new standard for our student-athletes, and elevate Butler Basketball to new heights.”
Former coach Thad Matta announced his retirement nine days ago after four years at the helm. The Bulldogs went 16-16 (7-13 in the Big East) this past season and have not earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament since 2018.
Nored will be introduced as the new head coach on Friday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
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