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Butler’s search for a head coach: 4 names to watch

By Chris Stone

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Butler Bulldogs fans cheer on their team before the first half of a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Butler Bulldogs fans cheer on their team before the first half of a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tim Miles looks over notes during the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Michigan won 93-57. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tim Miles looks over notes during the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Michigan won 93-57. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Lewis, Nebraska assistant coach

Michael Lewis is another coaching candidate with ties to the Butler program. Lewis was an assistant coach under Brad Stevens, Brandon Miller and Chris Holtmann for five seasons with the Bulldogs prior to taking an assistant coaching job under Tim Miles at the University of Nebraska in 2016. He has also previously been an assistant coach at Eastern Illinois and Stephen F. Austin.

Lewis played his college basketball at Indiana University and referenced his affinity for Big Ten basketball as being part of the reason for the move. “I’m a Big Ten guy. I think it’s the top of college basketball,” he said of the decision. The Cornhuskers went 12-19 in Lewis’ first season as an assistant coach.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft

Lewis’ decision to leave Butler for Nebraska was not a popular one with local media the time. They criticized his rationale of leaving the Bulldogs for a program with a less storied basketball history. Whether or not that decision would play a role in Butler’s decision to potentially bring him back to the school remains to be seen.

It is also unclear whether or not Lewis would accept the position given his affinity for the Big Ten and its style of play.