INDIANAPOLIS — Butler University has announced that Thad Matta will return to serve as the men's basketball head coach for a second time.
"Butler is a special place, one that Barb, Ali, Emily and I each chose as our school,” said Matta in a statement. “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.
That season, he was named 2000-01 Midwestern Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year after he led the Bulldogs to then-record of 24 wins. He also led the team to its win in a league regular-season championship and MCC tournament championship. the team also appeared in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Matta also served as an academic coordinator and administrative assistant at Butler from 1991 to 1994 and as the top assistant to Barry Collier, current VP and director of athletics for Butler, during the 1999-2000 season.