Ronald Nored retains, promotes former Butler basketball staffer into key role

Ali Matta, daughter of former Butler basketball coach Thad Matta, is receiving a promotion on first-year coach Ronald Nored’s staff.

Matta will serve as the director of basketball operations after serving as an administrative assistant to her father the last three seasons. Matta joins a support staff featuring executive basketball advisor Gordon Hayward, chief of staff Matt Frederick, athletic trainer Chad Bergman and director of academic services Jen Mann.

“Few people can truly say that they grew up in college basketball but Ali is one of them,” Nored said in a news release. “Ali is a tremendous ambassador for our program and has built strong relationships within the athletics department and the university as a whole over the past few years. She and Matt will make sure that all aspects of our program are a well-oiled machine. I know how much Butler means to Ali and her family, and I’m grateful that she has chosen to stay involved with our program in this enhanced role.”

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Matta’s role will include involvement in operations, travel, budget, recruiting, game day concepts and other responsibilities surrounding the men’s basketball program, the announcement said.

Matta graduated from Butler in 2021 and worked for sports consulting agency Complete Sports Management before joining the Butler staff in 2022.

Insider: Ali Matta’s love for college basketball brought her back to Butler

Matta told IndyStar in March that working in college basketball had always been a dream of hers.

“It’s college basketball, I love it. I’m going to be watching one way or another, so I might as well be a part of it,” Matta said.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Ali Matta promoted on Butler basketball coaching staff under Ronald Nored

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