Butler Appoints Ronald Nored as New Men’s Basketball Coach
Butler has named Ronald Nored its next men’s basketball coach, the university announced Wednesday, March 25.
Nored is 36 years old and will become the program’s 25th head coach. He succeeds Thad Matta, who retired after the 2025-26 season.
Appointment and immediate details
Grant Leiendecker made the hire. He is Butler’s athletic director and a former Butler player.
Leiendecker took over the AD role in December 2024. Nored is the first coach Leiendecker has hired.
Professional background
Nored had been an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks before the move. He informed the Hawks of his decision on Wednesday morning.
Leiendecker shared a photo of the moment on Twitter. The hiring represents a return to Butler for Nored.
Butler connection and playing history
Nored and Leiendecker were teammates at Butler for three seasons. They were part of Butler’s back-to-back national runner-up teams in 2010 and 2011.
That shared history helped elevate Nored among candidates. He was the only finalist without prior college head-coaching experience.
Vision and expectations
Nored described the job as a special opportunity rooted in deep personal ties to Butler. He praised the program’s tradition, fans, and Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Leiendecker emphasized Nored’s work ethic, basketball intelligence, and ability to develop players. He highlighted Nored’s NBA experience as a strategic advantage.
- Name: Ronald Nored
- Age: 36
- Title: Butler men’s basketball head coach (25th in program history)
- Announcement date: Wednesday, March 25
- Predecessor: Thad Matta (retired after 2025-26 season)
- Athletic director: Grant Leiendecker (hired Dec. 2024; former Butler player)
- Previous role: Assistant coach, Atlanta Hawks
- Butler playing connection: Teammate on 2010 and 2011 national runner-up teams
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow how Ronald Nored builds his staff and recruits. Expectations are high for program growth under his leadership.
