INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Butler University is turning to one of its own to lead the men’s basketball program. The university on Wednesday named Ronald Nored, a 2012 Butler graduate and former standout point guard for the Bulldogs, as head coach of the men’s basketball team. He takes over f or Thad Matta, who stepped down earlier this month. Nored returns to his alma mater after more than a decade of coaching in the professional ranks, most recently as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. During his playing career at Butler, Nored helped lead the Bulldogs to 109 wins and back-to-back appearances in the NCAA national championship game under coach Brad Stevens. Grant Leiendecker, Butler vice president and director of athletics, says the university focused on finding a leader capable of navigating the current climate of college sports. “In a rapidly evolving college basketball landscape, our priority was identifying the absolute best leader to spearhead the future of Butler Basketball,” Leiendecker said in a statement. “Nored is that leader.” Leiendecker cited Nored’s professional coaching background as a primary reason for the hiring. “Ron is a relentless worker with an elite basketball IQ and a proven track record of developing talent at the highest level of basketball,” Leiendecker said. He added that Nored’s vision for the program and his NBA experience provide the university with a “distinct competitive advantage.” Nored says the term “dream job” doesn’t do justice to how he feels about the opportunity to lead the Bulldogs. “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.” Nored’s professional coaching career began in 2013 under his former college coach, Stevens, with the Boston Celtics organization. He served as an assistant for the Maine Celtics and later worked on the Celtics’ NBA staff, focusing on player development and scouting. His resume also includes assistant roles with the Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta Hawks. Additionally, Nored served as head coach of the Long Island Nets in the NBA G-League from 2016 to 2018 and previously held coaching positions at Northern Kentucky University and Brownsburg High School. Butler President James M. Danko welcomed Nored back to the campus community. “Ron is a shining example of a Bulldog who was built at Butler while also positively impacting others and the university during his time as an undergrad,” Danko said. As a student-athlete, Nored finished his career as one of the most decorated players in Butler Bulldogs history. He holds the school records for career games played with 143 and career steals with 207. He ranks third in program history with 497 assists and was twice named the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year. Nored will be reintroduced to the Butler and Indianapolis communities on Friday, March 27. The event is scheduled for noon at Hinkle Fieldhouse and is open to the public. Nored’s Coaching Career2026-pres. – Butler University, Head Coach2023-26 – Atlanta Hawks, Assistant Coach2021-23 – Indiana Pacers, Assistant Coach2018-21 – Charlotte Hornets, Assistant Coach2016-18 – Long Island Nets (Brooklyn Nets G-League Team), Head Coach2015-16 – Northern Kentucky University, Assistant Coach2014-15 – Boston Celtics, Assistant Coach/Player Development2013-14 – Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics G-League Team), Assistant Coach2012-13 – Brownsburg (Ind.) High School, Head Coach This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews andedits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. ...read more read less