Kampen Returns to Butler as Assistant Basketball Coach

Emerson Kampen, a Butler alum and former assistant coach, rejoins the Bulldogs' staff under new head coach Ronald Nored.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:25pm

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Emerson Kampen, a 2013 Butler graduate who previously spent nine years on the Bulldogs' coaching staff, has returned to the program as an assistant coach. Kampen and new head coach Ronald Nored were teammates at Butler, members of the program's back-to-back national championship game teams in 2010 and 2011.

Why it matters

Kampen's return to Butler represents a homecoming for the former player and coach, who has deep ties to the program and its recent success. His experience and familiarity with the Bulldogs' system will be valuable as Nored looks to build on the team's recent accomplishments.

The details

Kampen spent the last four years overseeing successful business ventures alongside another of his Butler teammates, Gordon Hayward. Previously, Kampen's nine-season coaching run at Butler came on staffs under head coaches LaVall Jordan, Chris Holtmann and Brandon Miller. He served as the program's defensive coordinator and was instrumental in securing the highest-rated recruiting class in program history in 2020.

  • Kampen returns to Butler after spending the last four years in business.
  • He previously spent nine seasons on the Bulldogs' coaching staff from 2013 to 2022.

The players

Emerson Kampen

A 2013 Butler graduate who previously spent nine years on the Bulldogs' coaching staff, and has now returned as an assistant coach.

Ronald Nored

The new head coach of the Butler Bulldogs, who was Kampen's teammate on the program's back-to-back national championship game teams in 2010 and 2011.

Gordon Hayward

Another of Kampen's Butler teammates, with whom he has been working on business ventures over the last four years.

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What they’re saying

“'EK is a Bulldog through and through. He's been a great leader on successful Butler teams as both a player and a coach. EK has a great feel for the game and a direct approach that resonates with players and allows them to improve quickly. It means a lot to me personally to have a teammate and such a good friend alongside me as we build this program. It's great to bring EK, Kylie and their family back to Hinkle, a place that means so much to all of us.'”

— Ronald Nored, Head Coach, Butler Bulldogs

What’s next

Kampen and Nored will look to build on the Bulldogs' recent success and continue the program's tradition of excellence as they work to assemble the team's roster and coaching staff for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Kampen's return to Butler represents a homecoming for a coach with deep ties to the program, and his experience and familiarity with the Bulldogs' system will be invaluable as Nored looks to continue the team's recent success.