Butler basketball staff shakeup: Greg Oden leaves, Connor McCaffery joins

Greg Oden, the former NBA No. 1 overall pick, has announced his departure from his role as an assistant coach for Butler men's basketball. Oden, who gained recognition as a star at Lawrence North High School, has not disclosed his future plans. In his place, Connor McCaffery, currently an assistant coach with the Indiana Pacers, is expected to join the Bulldogs' coaching staff. This transition is significant as it brings a member of the McCaffery family into the fold, which has deep ties to basketball. Connor McCaffery is not only a coach but also has personal connections to Butler, as he will have the opportunity to coach his brother, Patrick, who is in his first year at the university after transferring from Iowa. Additionally, their younger brother, Jack, is set to join Butler as part of the 2025 recruiting class, further solidifying the family's involvement with the program. The McCaffery family has a strong basketball legacy, with their father, Fran McCaffery, serving as the head coach at Iowa for 14 seasons. Fran boasts a career record of 531-368 and was recognized as the 2009 MAAC Coach of the Year while at Siena. This family connection is expected to bring a unique dynamic to Butler's coaching staff. The shakeup in the coaching staff reflects ongoing changes within the program, as Butler aims to enhance its competitiveness in the Big East. The addition of Connor McCaffery could provide fresh perspectives and strategies, potentially benefiting the team's performance in the upcoming season.