Connor McCaffery Departs Butler After One Season As Assistant Coach
Connor McCaffery Departs Butler After One Season As Assistant Coach...
Connor McCaffery, the former Iowa basketball standout and son of Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery, has left his assistant coaching position at Butler after just one season. The unexpected move, confirmed by the university Friday, comes as the Bulldogs prepare for offseason roster changes under head coach Thad Matta.
McCaffery, 26, joined Butler in 2023 following his playing career at Iowa, where he served as a graduate assistant. His departure creates an immediate vacancy on Matta's staff during a critical recruiting period. Butler officials declined to specify whether McCaffery resigned or was dismissed, stating only that they "wish him well in his future endeavors."
The news gained traction Friday afternoon after multiple basketball reporters shared the development on social media. McCaffery had been viewed as a rising star in coaching circles, making his abrupt exit particularly surprising. His name had recently surfaced in connection with other coaching opportunities.
Butler finished 18-15 last season, missing the NCAA Tournament but earning an NIT berth. McCaffery primarily worked with guards and assisted in recruiting. His departure leaves Matta with two remaining full-time assistants as the program looks to rebuild after three consecutive seasons without an NCAA appearance.
No immediate replacement has been named. The timing coincides with the opening of the NCAA transfer portal, putting pressure on Butler to fill the position quickly. McCaffery hasn't publicly commented on his next career move, though speculation suggests he may return to Iowa in some capacity.
The story resonates nationally due to the McCaffery family's prominence in college basketball. Connor's brother Patrick currently plays for Iowa, while his father Fran has led the Hawkeyes since 2010. Butler's status as a Big East program also contributes to the widespread interest in the staffing change.
