WNBA star Caitlin Clark is riding high, not just because of her latest basketball feats, but also due to a personal celebration that’s got the social media world buzzing. Her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, just made a big career move—and no, it’s not about returning to his college roots to hit the books.
After a stint as the team assistant for the Indiana Pacers, McCaffery decided to shake things up. He’s not only leaving his NBA connections behind but heading back to college, this time swapping his role as a student for one as a mentor. He’ll be joining Butler University’s basketball coaching staff as an assistant coach. In true McCaffery fashion, it’s going to be a family affair. His brother, Patrick McCaffery, who just transferred from the Iowa Hawkeyes, will suit up for the Bulldogs this season, with their other brother, Jack, set to follow next year. Talk about a family reunion!
Caitlin, never one to shy away from sharing her pride, took to Instagram and dropped a golden, four-word reaction: “Yayy! So happy for you!” Short, sweet, and with enough enthusiasm to launch a three-pointer from half-court.
McCaffery, clearly basking in the love, reposted Clark’s message to his own account—because what’s a coaching gig without your superstar girlfriend backing you on social media, right?
Butler’s New Assist: “From the Pacers to the Bulldogs”
If you thought Connor’s career pivot was already juicy, it gets better. According to Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, McCaffery will be stepping into the role previously held by none other than Greg Oden. Yes, the former Portland Trail Blazers’ No. 1 pick from 2007, who, let’s be honest, had more injuries than the New York Knicks have bad seasons.
Oden, who joined Butler’s coaching staff in 2022, will be moving on, and McCaffery’s entering just in time to fill the basketball-sized shoes left behind. Butler’s head coach, Thad Matta, is beyond thrilled to have Clark’s boyfriend (let’s call a spade a spade) join his staff. In a press release that practically screamed “we’re thrilled!”, Matta praised McCaffery’s experience with the Pacers, calling it a priceless asset for the Bulldogs’ program.
Matta’s exact words: “Connor has had the opportunity to contribute and learn alongside one of the best staffs in the NBA. Those experiences will be very valuable to our staff. He obviously comes from a basketball family that I know very well, and I’m excited for the impact he’s going to have on our program both quickly and in the long run.” Translation: McCaffery’s bringing his A-game, and Butler is ready for the boost.
The McCaffery Takeover: A Family That Balls Together
Connor McCaffery, a former college baller who spent six years with the Iowa Hawkeyes, is no stranger to high-pressure basketball environments. Now, with the added pressure of coaching his little brothers (because family dynamics aren’t complicated enough), McCaffery’s about to take Butler’s program up a notch. And while it’s certainly a sweet gig, there’s no doubt that Caitlin Clark will be courtside, cheering on her man—when she’s not busy being a WNBA superstar herself.
So, in the McCaffery-Clark household, the competition might not just stay on the court. With Caitlin dropping Instagram bombs and Connor hitting the coaching scene hard, this power couple is shaping up to be basketball royalty, and we’re here for it.
Oh, and as for Greg Oden? Let’s just hope he left Butler with both knees intact.