Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, is stepping into a new chapter of his coaching career with Butler University. At 26 years old, McCaffery has secured a role as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs, marking another milestone in his transition from player to coach.
McCaffery’s coaching journey began when he joined the Indiana Pacers last summer as a team assistant coach, his first official coaching position after a long collegiate playing career at the University of Iowa. A native of Iowa City, McCaffery played for the Hawkeyes for six seasons, making 88 starts in 166 appearances. Over the course of his college career, he averaged 4.5 points and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing a solid understanding of the game that he has since applied to his coaching career.
His connection to Indiana deepened earlier this year when his girlfriend, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever. McCaffery moved to Indiana alongside Clark and took the job with the Pacers, allowing the couple to remain close as they both pursued their professional careers in the Hoosier State.
McCaffery’s move to Butler was first reported by Akeem Glaspie of the Indianapolis Star, with additional confirmations from Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files and David Eickholt of 247Sports. McCaffery’s decision to join the Butler coaching staff is particularly notable because his younger brother, Patrick McCaffery, is transferring from Iowa to play basketball for the Bulldogs. Additionally, their youngest brother, Jack, is set to join the Butler program next year, making the McCaffery family a growing presence in Indianapolis basketball.
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The McCaffery family is no stranger to the game. Connor’s father, Fran McCaffery, is the long-standing head men’s basketball coach at the University of Iowa, and coaching seems to run in their blood. Connor’s move to Butler is not only a career advancement but also a family reunion of sorts.
At Butler, McCaffery is replacing former NBA No. 1 overall draft pick Greg Oden, who recently stepped down from his assistant coaching role. Oden, a high school basketball legend in Indiana, had a brief but impactful NBA career after his time at Ohio State. McCaffery’s arrival is seen as a promising new chapter for the Bulldogs, who are led by head coach Thad Matta.
Matta is entering his third season at the helm, having improved Butler’s record from 14-18 in his first year to 18-15 last season. McCaffery’s addition to the staff is expected to bring fresh energy and insights to a team looking to build on that momentum.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark continues to shine in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever. As the frontrunner for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award, she has led her team to a 19-19 record with just two games left in the regular season.
Clark and McCaffery began dating in April 2023 and made their relationship public in August of that year, becoming one of the most high-profile couples in the basketball world.
As McCaffery embarks on his new role at Butler and Clark continues her rise in the WNBA, the pair are both making significant strides in their respective careers, with the basketball world watching closely.
