Former NBA No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden has officially announced his departure from the Butler men’s basketball coaching staff. Oden, who has been an assistant coach with the Bulldogs since 2021, confirmed the news to IndyStar but declined to reveal his next career move. This marks the end of Oden’s involvement with Butler, where he played a significant role in player development.
Connor McCaffery Poised to Join Butler Staff
According to sources, Indiana Pacers assistant coach Connor McCaffery is being considered as the top candidate to replace Oden on the Bulldogs’ coaching staff. McCaffery, a former standout at Iowa, has a strong basketball background and is the boyfriend of Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. His potential move to Butler would add a new layer to the Bulldogs’ coaching dynamic, particularly as McCaffery has a personal connection to the current roster.
Connor McCaffery’s younger brother, Patrick, recently transferred from Iowa and is entering his first year at Butler, meaning Connor could have the unique opportunity to coach his sibling. Additionally, their youngest brother, Jack, has committed to join Butler as part of the 2025 recruiting class, making the McCaffery family increasingly intertwined with the Bulldogs program.
McCaffery Family Brings Coaching Expertise
The McCaffery family is no stranger to basketball leadership. Their father, Fran McCaffery, has been the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team for 14 seasons. Fran boasts a career record of 531-368, having earned accolades such as the MAAC Coach of the Year in 2009 while leading Siena. The McCaffery family’s deep-rooted involvement in basketball makes Connor a strong candidate for the Butler assistant coaching role.
As the Bulldogs gear up for their Big East schedule, fans are eager to see how the potential addition of Connor McCaffery might impact the team’s performance. With Greg Oden’s departure, Butler is entering a new era with a fresh face on the sidelines and a new chapter for the McCaffery family.
