Brad Stevens congratulates former player Ronald Nored on becoming Butler basketball coach

The new Butler basketball coach has the approval of the best Butler coach.

The Bulldogs posted a statement from Brad Stevens on social media, congratulating Ronald Nored on taking the reins of the program.

Stevens recruited Nored out of Homewood High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Nored started 125 of his 143 games for the Bulldogs from 2008-12, and while he was never a big scorer (5.8 average), he kept the team organized and tenaciously defended the perimeter as they reached the 2010 and '11 national championship games.

Stevens coached Butler from 2007-13, compiling a 166-49 record before moving to the NBA's Boston Celtics, first as coach and now as team president.

Butler named Nored to succeed Thad Matta on March 25.

Reshaping the roster: Former top-100 recruit, Kansas forward joins Butler

Here's what Stevens recalled about Nored's recruitment while wishing him the best.

"I'll never forget driving down to Birmingham, Alabama, and meeting in that small room in Homewood High School. Walking out of there, not necessarily knowing how good of a player you would be, but knowing that you were the perfect Bulldog.

Nolan Hamilton, a Butler University student and president of the Dog Pound, poses Friday, March 27, 2026, in his Robot Ron outfit in honor or newly named Butler head coach Ronald Nored.

Ronald Nored (middle left) is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored poses for a photo alongside his wife, Danielle, and their four children, Avery, Kai, Jude, and Campbell on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butler’s next men’s head basketball coach.

Butler University head basketball coach Ronald Nored is hugged Friday, March 27, 2026, by Indiana Pacers’ T.J. McConnell after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach.

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shakes hands Friday, March 27, 2026, with Pacers lead assistant coach Lloyd Pierce ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach.

Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton laughs with Ronald Nored on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butler’s next men’s head basketball coach.

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Fans watch as Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell talk Friday, March 27, 2026, with Emerson Kampen ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Nolan Hamilton, a Butler University student and president of the Dog Pound, poses Friday, March 27, 2026, in his Robot Ron outfit in honor or newly named Butler head coach Ronald Nored.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Nolan Hamilton, a Butler University student and president of the Dog Pound, poses Friday, March 27, 2026, in his Robot Ron outfit in honor or newly named Butler head coach Ronald Nored.

2 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored (middle left) is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

3 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored poses for a photo alongside his wife, Danielle, and their four children, Avery, Kai, Jude, and Campbell on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butler’s next men’s head basketball coach.

4 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University head basketball coach Ronald Nored is hugged Friday, March 27, 2026, by Indiana Pacers’ T.J. McConnell after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach.

5 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

6 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shakes hands Friday, March 27, 2026, with Pacers lead assistant coach Lloyd Pierce ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach.

7 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton laughs with Ronald Nored on Friday, March 27, 2026, after a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Nored as Butler’s next men’s head basketball coach.

8 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

9 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Fans watch as Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

10 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

11 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

12 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

13 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University President James Danko delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

14 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

15 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Butler University Vice President and Director of Athletics Grant Leiendecker delivers remarks Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

18 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

19 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

20 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

21 / 25

Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored speaks Friday, March 27, 2026 after being introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Ronald Nored is introduced as the 25th Butler University men’s basketball coach Friday, March 27, 2026, during a press conference held at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Nored replaces Thad Matta after his retirement following the 2025-26 season.

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Butler introduces Ronald Nored as next men’s head basketball coach

Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell talk Friday, March 27, 2026, with Emerson Kampen ahead of a press conference at Hinkle Fieldhouse introducing Ronald Nored as the next men’s head basketball coach.

"As your high school coach told me: 'there's no better leader that he's ever been around.' And it was really clear from day one, when you walked into Butler, that you had a special ability to lead and to galvanize the room. And as a result: you're one of the best leaders I ever saw on the court and certainly one of the best that I have ever been around.

"We wish you nothing but the best and you know we are here for you whenever you need it. We are so thrilled that you will write the next chapter of Butler basketball.

"Go Dawgs!"

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Brad Stevens reaction to Butler basketball coach Ronald Nored being hired