A new era is beginning at Butler University, and it has the full endorsement of the man who built the modern Bulldogs. The program recently shared a heartfelt statement from Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, congratulating his former player, Ronald Nored, on being named the new head coach of Butler basketball.

This is a story that comes full circle. Stevens, who famously led Butler to back-to-back national championship games in 2010 and 2011, was the one who originally recruited Nored out of Homewood High School in Alabama. From 2008 to 2012, Nored was the epitome of a Bulldog on the court—a tenacious perimeter defender and floor general who started 125 games. While not a high-volume scorer, his intelligence and grit were foundational to those legendary Final Four runs.

Stevens's journey from Butler to the NBA's Celtics is well-documented, making his public support for Nored particularly meaningful. In his statement, Stevens recalled the moment he knew Nored was special, saying, "Walking out of there, not necessarily knowing how good of a player you would be, but knowing that you were the perfect Bulldog."

Nored, officially named to the role on March 25th, succeeds Thad Matta and steps into one of college basketball's most respected programs. His hiring has already energized the Butler community, symbolizing a return to the hard-nosed, team-first identity that defined the program's rise. As Nored begins reshaping the roster for the future, he does so with the blessing of the coach who helped define Butler's past, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter at Hinkle Fieldhouse.