Butler players, staff react to Stevens contract news

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Butler staff and players are expressing their excitement at the news that head coach Brad Stevens has signed a 12-year contract that will keep him with the team through the 2021-22 season.

"As everyone can imagine, we're thrilled to have Coach decide to remain here at Butler and call it his home," said associate athletic director Beth Goetz.

Butler guard Ronald Nored said he wasn't aware of Stevens' new contract until 24-Hour News 8 told him Thursday evening. He said the news is great for the program.

"Coach Stevens, I think he loves it here. So it's exciting for all of us. Obviously exciting for the guys who are going to come here coming up in the next few years too," said Nored.

Butler red shirt freshman center Emerson Kampen said, "I think it's great, you know. It brings stability to the program and, you know, obviously Coach Stevens is a great coach. So, I'm grateful he's gonna be here the remainder of my time."

For the people who follow the players, that stability will be appreciated by Butler's future recruits.

Butler guard Shelvin Mack said he wasn't too worried Stevens would leave.

"He told me that he'd be here for my four years, stuck with his word. I'm just happy for him," said Mack. "It's just a great honor to have our coach for the next few years."

Mack said Stevens' decision is an example of loyalty.

Butler stuck with Coach Stevens at the beginning. Now he's sticking with Butler, said Mack.