Thad Matta Retires as Butler MCBB HC, Led Ohio State to 2 Final Four Appearances

Longtime college basketball coach Thad Matta is calling it a career.

Matta, who had been the head coach of Butler since 2022, announced his retirement on Monday.

Matta previously coached at Ohio State and led the team to two Final Four appearances. He ends his career with a 502-223 overall record.

Butler announced in a release that Matta will remain with the university as Special Assistant to the President and Athletic Director. He led the Bulldogs to a 16-16 record in the 2025-26 season, ending the year with a 91-81 loss to Providence in the first round of the Big East Tournament.

"After taking some time to reflect following the end of the season, I have decided that the time has come for me to step away from the sidelines," Matta said in a statement. "The love my wife, my daughters and I have for Butler is what brought us back four years ago, and it feels especially meaningful that I conclude my coaching career here.

"Butler has always meant more to us than just basketball -- and that connection is why I'm grateful to continue working with the university and offering my help in any way I can," he continued. "My commitment to Butler and to the future of this program remains as strong as ever. I want this program to compete at the highest levels of the Big East and national landscape, and I am excited to be part of what we continue to build here."

Matta had previously served as an assistant coach for Butler early in his career from 1991 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2000. He was promoted to head coach of the Bulldogs for the 2000-01 season, leading the team to a program-record 24 wins before taking the head coaching job at Xavier. He led the Musketeers to three straight 26-win seasons and conference tournament titles in 2002 and 2004 before moving on to Ohio State, where he coached from 2004 to 2017.

The three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year led the Buckeyes to five regular-season titles and four conference tournament titles.

"I will always be grateful for the experiences, the relationships, and the memories Butler has given me and my family," Matta said. "I'm proud of what we've built together, and I look forward to staying connected and contributing in a new way as the next chapter begins."