Butler University is turning to one of its own to lead the men’s basketball program. Former Bulldogs guard Ronald Nored, known for his lockdown defense during Butler’s Cinderella runs to the NCAA finals, has been named the team’s new head coach, according to sources.
The 36-year-old Nored has spent the past three seasons as an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks. He agreed to a deal with Butler on Tuesday night, with an official announcement expected Wednesday. Akron coach John Groce was also in the running, but Butler chose to stick with its tradition of hiring coaches deeply connected to the program.
A Familiar Face Returns
Nored played at Butler from 2008 to 2012 under Brad Stevens. He was the starting point guard on the Bulldogs’ back-to-back national championship game appearances in 2010 and 2011. While stars like Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack grabbed headlines, Nored’s consistency and defense earned him Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year honors twice.
His most memorable performance came in the 2010 NCAA Tournament against Murray State, when he scored 15 points and dished out six assists. Butler won 54-52, a victory that propelled the team toward its first title game appearance.
Coaching Journey
Nored always had his eyes on coaching. He started in 2013 with the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics’ G League affiliate, thanks to his connection with Stevens. He later joined the Celtics’ staff, spent time at Northern Kentucky, and coached the Long Island Nets from 2016 to 2018. Since then, he’s built his résumé as an NBA assistant with the Hornets, Pacers, and Hawks.
With Thad Matta retiring earlier this month, the timing was perfect for Nored to step into the Butler job.
Big Challenge Ahead
Butler hasn’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018. Despite Matta’s return in 2022, the Bulldogs managed just one winning season in the Big East. Now, Nored inherits a program with strong financial backing – sources say Butler expects at least $9 million in NIL and revenue sharing by the 2026-27 season.
The question is whether Nored can translate his NBA experience and Butler roots into a revival of the program’s glory days.
Butler fans, are you ready for a new era? Stay tuned for the official announcement and get behind Coach Nored as he takes the Bulldogs back to the big stage!
