Chris Holtmann Named Butler Head Coach: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Butler men's basketball team finally has stability at head coach as Chris Holtmann's interim tag has been removed.

Previous head coach Brandon Miller took a medical leave of absence in October, but he has been removed from his position, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Borzello:

Butler University released a statement regarding the hiring, and athletic director Barry Collier expressed a great deal of confidence in Holtmann.

"

Chris has provided important leadership and coached successfully in a difficult situation. He has fully embraced the Butler way and we are confident in the future of our basketball program with Chris at the helm. We want to thank Brandon Miller for his many contributions to Butler over the last 18 months, and wish him well. Out of respect for Brandon and his privacy, we will have no additional comment.

"

ESPN's Jeff Goodman is among those who applauded the move due to Holtmann's success thus far:

The Bulldogs went just 14-17 last season in their Big East debut, but Holtmann has them playing great basketball. They have already defeated the likes of North Carolina, Georgetown and Northwestern, and they seem to have a legitimate shot at qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

Holtmann is 43 years of age, and he previously served as the head coach at Gardner-Webb for three seasons.

He led the Runnin' Bulldogs to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament in 2013, and hopes are even higher for what he might be able to accomplish at Butler.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter