Greg Oden, the once-celebrated No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, has recently embarked on a new chapter in his life as a coach. His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward, shaped by a rollercoaster professional career heavily impacted by injuries. After spending two pivotal years with Butler basketball, coaching alongside his former Ohio State mentor, Thad Matta, as reported by IndyStar, Greg continues to evolve in the world of basketball.
In 2022, Oden joined Butler’s coaching staff, marking a reunion with Matta, who returned to Indiana to take the helm of the Bulldogs. Their history dates back to 2007 when Matta coached Oden during his lone season at Ohio State—a season that was both triumphant and heartbreaking, culminating in a national championship game loss to Florida. After his NBA career was derailed by injuries, Oden returned to Ohio State, finishing his degree and serving as a student manager for the men’s basketball team. It was a time of transition for him, as Matta faced his own challenges, stepping down temporarily due to health and performance-related issues.
After a hiatus from coaching, Matta’s return to Butler in a head coach capacity brought him full circle; he had previously served as an assistant coach for six years before taking on head coaching duties in 2000. Oden, who hails from Indianapolis, jumped into his role as director of basketball operations with determination and passion. Alongside him, Jon Diebler, another of Matta’s former players from Ohio State, took on the role of director of recruiting. This new coaching staff brought energy and a sense of familiarity, creating a nurturing environment for both players and coaches alike.
During Oden’s tenure, Butler basketball began to show signs of resurgence. In his first season, the Bulldogs finished 14-18, but they improved significantly in year two, clinching an 18-15 record and marking their first winning season since 2019-20. This achievement was particularly heartening for Oden, as it reflected the hard work and commitment of the coaching staff and players. The team earned a spot in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), marking a noticeable comeback for the program after a five-year postseason drought. However, Oden has remained tight-lipped about his future aspirations since his departure from Butler, leaving fans and followers curious about his next move.
In a related note, IndyStar reported that Connor McCaffery, son of Iowa basketball head coach Fran McCaffery and current boyfriend of Utah Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, is being considered as a potential successor to Oden on Butler’s coaching staff. This transition makes sense in the context of the McCaffery family, as Connor’s brother, Patrick, recently transferred from Iowa to Butler, and their younger brother, Jack, a 2025 recruit, is also committed to joining the Bulldogs. The connection this family has to Butler represents the strong ties and community spirit that basketball cultivates.
Reflecting on Greg Oden’s journey, it’s impossible to discuss his legacy without touching on the monumental decision made during the 2007 NBA Draft. Oden was chosen first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, a choice made over then-unknown Kevin Durant, whom everyone now knows would go on to claim multiple MVP and Finals MVP awards. At the time, Oden was considered the top prospect after dominating at Ohio State, showcasing a mix of strength, agility, and skill on both ends of the court. However, injuries soon limited his ability to perform at the level many had anticipated.
Throughout his professional career, Oden battled a slew of debilitating lower-body injuries, culminating in a total of just 105 regular-season games and a fleeting nine playoff appearances. His last NBA appearance was during Game 4 of the 2014 NBA Finals with the Miami Heat—almost a bittersweet moment for someone whose potential was so bright yet tragically dimmed by injuries. Though he briefly played in China and participated in The Basketball Tournament, his professional aspirations ultimately fell short of the expectations established for him during that fateful draft.
In many ways, Oden’s current coaching journey serves as a testament to resilience. Instead of allowing his past injuries and setbacks to define him, he is solely focused on nurturing the next generation of basketball talent, imparting his wisdom, and helping players navigate their own paths—evidence that sometimes, the most significant victories come after setbacks. The love for the game and the desire to give back to the sport that shaped his life is a powerful reminder that success isn’t solely measured in championships but in the impact one can have on others. The basketball community will certainly be watching with interest as Greg Oden continues his journey—wherever it leads.
