Ronald Nored has been announced as the new head coach at his alma mater Butler. Nored played for Brad Stevens and the Bulldogs from 2008-12, where was the starting point guard for the back-to-back NCAA National Runner-up teams and was twice named Horizon League DPOY.
“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 AD 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. His experience in the NBA provides us with a distinct competitive advantage as we navigate this new era of college basketball. 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.”
While this will be the first collegiate head coaching job for Nored, he has been coaching for more than decade at the high school, college and professional levels. His was most recently an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks and has also spent time with the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics. He also served as the head coach of the Long Island Nets in the G League from 2016-18, coached the varsity team at Brownsburg HS (IN) for one season and was an assistant coach at Northern Kentucky (2015-16).
“The term ‘dream job’ doesn’t do justice to how I feel about the opportunity to lead the Butler program,” Nored said in a statement. “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.”
Nored replaces Thad Matta, who retired from coaching after the season following a four-year tenure (five years total) with the program. The Bulldogs last played in the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and won their last league title (Horizon) in 2011. The program joined the Big East in 2013 and have finished as high as 2nd in the league, most recently in 2017.
credit to Butler Athletics for the image