Ronald Nored is stepping into a new chapter in his coaching journey, bidding an emotional farewell to his Atlanta Hawks colleagues as he prepares to take the helm of the Butler Bulldogs' basketball program.
The @ATLHawks players were so happy for him 🫡❤️
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) March 26, 2026
(via @ButlerMBB) pic.twitter.com/8JZ8hLM060
Nored, who began his NBA coaching career in 2018 and joined the Hawks in 2023, is wrapping up his third season with the team. His transition to head coach at Butler is a significant leap, marking the end of his NBA tenure, at least for now. But before making the move, Nored took the time to express his gratitude to those who have been part of his journey in Atlanta.
“Y'all know, I've kind of been in and out in the last couple of days, some of you guys have asked, going through a little process, interviewing for a new job. Sometimes, unfortunately, it doesn't go your way, but this one's gone my way, man.
I'm going to Butler,” Nored shared on March 25, just ahead of Atlanta's clash with Detroit. “It's going to be a pretty quick transition.
So, like, I won't be at the game tonight, but Atlanta, man, it's been a good experience for me, for real.”
Nored's time with the Hawks has been invaluable, offering him a platform to develop and refine his coaching skills. He plans to bring these lessons to Butler, a program close to his heart. As a former Butler player from 2008 to 2012, Nored was part of the memorable squads that made back-to-back national championship appearances in 2010 and 2011 under the guidance of coach Brad Stevens.
Currently, the Atlanta Hawks are enjoying a solid season with a 41-32 record, sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. They find themselves ahead of the Toronto Raptors and the Philadelphia 76ers, while trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
Riding the momentum of three straight victories, the Hawks are gearing up for their next challenge against the Boston Celtics, set for March 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET.