Butler basketball coach Thad Matta announces retirement - ESPN

Butler basketball coach Thad Matta, who won 502 games and made 13 NCAA tournament appearances in a career that also included stints at Xavier and Ohio State, announced his retirement from coaching Monday.

Matta, 58, will remain with Butler as special assistant to the president and athletic director.

«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. 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, who had a career record of 502-223, won a combined eight conference regular season championships at Butler, Xavier and Ohio State, and he earned two berths in the NCAA Final Four and one appearance in the national championship game.