Butler Hires Former Player Ronald Nored as Head Coach

Nored, a two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year, replaces retiring coach Thad Matta.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 8:35pm

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Butler University has hired former Bulldogs point guard Ronald Nored as their new head basketball coach, replacing the retiring Thad Matta. Nored, 36, had been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2018, most recently with the Atlanta Hawks. As a player, he was a two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and played in two NCAA Tournament championship games with Butler.

Why it matters

Nored's hiring represents a return to Butler's storied basketball program for a former player who is well-regarded for his basketball IQ and player development skills. The Bulldogs are looking to return to the NCAA Tournament after a multi-year drought, and Nored's familiarity with the program and the city of Indianapolis could help provide stability and a clear vision for the team's future.

The details

Nored, who is Butler's career leader in games played (143) and steals (207), said the opportunity to lead the Bulldogs is a "dream job." He has previous head coaching experience in the NBA G League and has been an assistant coach with several NBA teams since 2018. Butler athletic director Grant Leiendecker cited Nored's "elite basketball IQ," "proven track record of developing talent," and ability to "cultivate" the "ultimate competitor" quality in his players and staff.

  • On March 16, 2026, former Butler head coach Thad Matta announced his retirement after 21 seasons as a head coach.
  • On March 25, 2026, Butler hired Ronald Nored as their new head basketball coach.

The players

Ronald Nored

A 36-year-old former Butler point guard who was a two-time Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and played in two NCAA Tournament championship games with the Bulldogs. He has worked as an assistant coach in the NBA since 2018, most recently with the Atlanta Hawks.

Thad Matta

The 58-year-old former Butler head coach who announced his retirement on March 16, 2026 after compiling a 502-223 record across 21 seasons as a head coach at Butler, Xavier, and Ohio State.

Grant Leiendecker

The Butler athletic director who cited Nored's "elite basketball IQ," "proven track record of developing talent," and ability to "cultivate" the "ultimate competitor" quality in his players and staff.

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What they’re saying

“The term 'dream job' doesn't do justice to how I feel about the opportunity to lead the Butler program. 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.”

— Ronald Nored

“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.”

— Grant Leiendecker, Butler Athletic Director

What’s next

Nored will look to quickly assemble his coaching staff and begin preparations for the upcoming season as he aims to return Butler to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.

The takeaway

Nored's hiring represents a homecoming for a former Butler player who is well-regarded for his basketball expertise and player development skills. His familiarity with the program and the city of Indianapolis could provide stability and a clear vision as the Bulldogs look to end their NCAA Tournament drought.