Butler Basketball Brings Thad Matta Back As Head Coach
Butler University has announced the return of Thad Matta as the head coach of Butler basketball. This comes as exciting news for the Bulldogs as Matta has had a successful career as a basketball coach. Matta previously spent time at Butler from 2000 to 2001 as an assistant coach before moving on to head coaching jobs at Xavier, Ohio State, and most recently, Georgia State.
Matta's Success with Butler
Matta's previous time at Butler was brief, but he made a significant impact on the program. In his one season as an assistant coach, Butler finished with a record of 24-8 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Matta was instrumental in the development of players such as Brandon Miller and Darnell Archey, who went on to have successful careers at Butler and beyond.
Success at Other Programs
Matta's success with Butler was just the beginning of a long and successful coaching career. He went on to coach at Xavier, where he led the team to two consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference Championships and four straight NCAA tournament appearances. Matta then moved on to Ohio State, where he had even greater success. He led the Buckeyes to five Big Ten regular-season championships, four Big Ten tournament championships, and two Final Four appearances. Matta's overall record at Ohio State was an impressive 337-123.
Returning Home to Butler
Matta's return to Butler is a homecoming of sorts. He has spoken fondly of his time at Butler in the past and even sent his own children to the university. He will now take over a program that has struggled in recent years, finishing with a record of 10-15 last season. However, the future looks bright with the addition of Matta as head coach.
Matta has a track record of success at every program he has been a part of, and he will undoubtedly bring his winning mentality and experience to the Butler program. The Bulldogs will look to Matta to lead them back to the success they enjoyed in the past, including back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2010 and 2011.
What to Expect from Matta's Coaching Style
Matta's coaching style is characterized by tough defense and efficient offense. He places a strong emphasis on fundamentals and expects his players to work hard both on and off the court. Matta has a reputation for developing players and helping them reach their full potential, which bodes well for the young Butler team.
Final Thoughts
The return of Thad Matta as head coach of Butler basketball is exciting news for Bulldogs fans. Matta's previous success at Butler, combined with his track record at other programs, makes him a natural choice for the head coaching job. Fans can expect to see Matta instill a winning mentality and work ethic into the program, which should lead to success in the future.