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BREAKING: Thad Matta returning to Butler as head coach

Butler announced Sunday that Thad Matta will return to the program for a second stint as head men’s basketball coach. Matta is best remembered for his 13-year stint at Ohio State, but also coached at Xavier for three years and Butler, his alma mater, for one year (2000-01).

“The success that Thad has achieved at every one of his programs speaks for itself,” said AD Barry Collier. “He is a championship-caliber coach and recruiter who brings valuable experience and contagious energy to Butler. I have seen that personally in Thad as a player, assistant coach and head coach. The Matta Family – Thad, Barb, Ali and Emily – has a deep appreciation for Butler and I know they join all of the Butler community in how excited we are for what’s to come.”

Matta played for current AD Collier at Butler and later spent six years (1991-94 and 1997-2000) as one of his assistants there, eventually succeeded him as head coach. He was 24-8 in his lone season at the helm, winning the MCC title and earning an NCAA Tournament bid.

He stepped down at Ohio State in 2017 with a 337-123 record, including two NCAA Final Fours and five Big Ten titles. After a few years out of coaching, Matta semi-returned to the game last year taking an administrative role at Indiana.

“Butler is a special place, one that Barb, Ali, Emily and I each chose as our school,” said Matta. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Butler and lead our men’s basketball program. There is a solid foundation in place and I’m confident that Butler will consistently be among the top programs in the BIG EAST. I can’t wait to attack the work we have in front of us and to be back on the sidelines at Hinkle Fieldhouse.”

 

credit to Butler Athletics for the image