In the game of life, Connor McCaffery just landed a sweet alley-oop. The former Indiana Pacers basketball development coordinator and Caitlin Clark’s better half (yes, that Caitlin Clark) is heading to Butler University, where he’ll be stepping into a shiny new assistant coaching gig. And who’s cheering the loudest? None other than Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers’ very own star. Looks like we’ve got a bromance brewing here, folks!
Haliburton didn’t hold back on his excitement, taking to Instagram to virtually fist-bump McCaffery’s new career move with a fire emoji-filled story. After all, it’s not every day your friend bags a role vacated by none other than Greg Oden (yes, that Greg Oden, the one who once dominated as a college basketball sensation). Apparently, Oden is leaving the court to focus on business ventures—because clearly, coaching wasn’t keeping him busy enough. Good luck, Oden. Meanwhile, McCaffery is picking up the playbook at Butler, and it’s looking like a slam dunk already.
A Coach in the Making (and a Boyfriend Too!)
McCaffery’s been around the block in the basketball world. As the Pacers’ basketball development coordinator, the guy wasn’t just fetching towels; he was deep in the grind. From running video operations to player workouts, he was like a Swiss Army knife for the coaching staff. One minute, he’s scouting opponents, and the next, he’s helping players finesse their three-point shot. If there’s a “do-it-all” badge, Connor’s earned it.
But this move to Butler? Oh, it’s spicy. Thad Matta, Butler’s head coach, practically rolled out the red carpet. “Connor’s experience with one of the best NBA staffs is going to be invaluable,” Matta said, probably with a knowing wink, recognizing that McCaffery’s family ties run deep. Did we mention McCaffery comes from basketball royalty? His dad, Fran McCaffery, is a legend over at Iowa. Basketball? It’s in this guy’s DNA.
Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery: A Power Couple for the Ages
Let’s not forget McCaffery’s better-known half: Caitlin Clark. She’s not just the WNBA Rookie of the Year front-runner; she’s basically basketball royalty in her own right. After a dazzling college career at Iowa (where Connor also played—#couplegoals), Clark is now lighting it up for the Indiana Fever. Honestly, is there a better power couple in sports right now? If they aren’t already breaking the internet, they probably will by the end of the season.
Their journey from Iowa to Indiana could be the plot of a rom-com. Clark, who was dropping 30-point games like it was her side hustle, found herself navigating life as a pro in a new city, but McCaffery’s presence made things a little sweeter. “It’s great, obviously it makes the transition easier,” Clark said, flashing that MVP smile. It’s not every day your boyfriend helps make the leap from college to pro feel like a cozy layup.
The McCaffery Magic
Let’s rewind to Connor’s own playing days, though. The man wasn’t just a coach-in-training; he was a baller. He finished his college career at Iowa with a mind-boggling assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.59—basically, he could pass the ball blindfolded and still avoid turnovers. And with 166 games under his belt, McCaffery’s not just a player; he’s a walking, talking record book. Add that to his impressive scouting, video operations, and now a coaching job at Butler? The resume’s stacked like a highlight reel.
And guess who’ll be joining him at Butler? His brother, Patrick McCaffery, will be suiting up for the school’s basketball team for the 2024-25 season. It’s like the McCaffery family is setting up a dynasty, and we’re all just along for the ride.
What’s Next for Connor and Caitlin?
As the WNBA season barrels toward its climax, Caitlin Clark continues to torch the competition, guiding the Indiana Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016. Meanwhile, McCaffery’s got his hands full molding the Bulldogs into a force to be reckoned with. But with Haliburton hyping him up, Greg Oden passing the torch, and Caitlin Clark smashing records left and right, it feels like McCaffery’s Butler era is off to a red-hot start.
And let’s be real: With Caitlin and Connor both owning Indiana in their respective courts, this might just be the basketball power couple the Hoosier State never knew it needed. Whether it’s draining threes or drawing up plays, the future’s looking bright—and full of highlights—for the Clark-McCaffery duo.
So, here’s to Connor McCaffery, landing the dream gig and keeping the Indiana basketball dynasty strong. Maybe Haliburton’s fire emojis were a prediction. Looks like the Butler Bulldogs just scored a McCaffery-sized win.