Butler elevates Holtmann from interim coach

Chris Holtmann was named Butler’s permanent coach on Friday, replacing Brandon Miller.

Holtmann was serving as interim coach after Miller took a medical leave of absence before the start of this season, which would have been his second as head coach. The school announced that Miller will not be back with the program.

ESPN reported that Holtmann and the university agreed to an multiyear contract.

Since Holttmann took over, the Bulldogs are 10-4 this season going into Saturday’s game against No. 15 St. John’s.

“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,” Butler athletic director Barry Collier. “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.”

Holtmann served as Gardner-Webb’s head coach for three seasons before joining Miller’s stafff in June 2013.

“I am honored to be named the head coach at Butler University and it is a real privilege to serve the university in this capacity,” Holtmann said. “I would like to thank President (James) Danko and (athletic director) Barry Collier for their significant leadership and guidance during these last few months. I would also like to thank our staff and players for their incredible support and hard work. This is a special place and a program rich in tradition. We look forward to working extremely hard to make the Butler community proud in the coming years.

“We are grateful to Brandon for his leadership and he will always be an important part of Butler Basketball. He and his family remain in our program’s thoughts and prayers.”