Just months after announcing his resignation as Chestnut Hill College’s Men’s Basketball Coach, the College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation Jesse Balcer is pleased to introduce his successor, former assistant (May 2017 – September 2018), J.J. Butler. “I want to give a sincere thank you to everyone who took part in this search, which netted us a really dynamic, energetic young man for staff and most importantly, our College community,” Balcer said. “It is with great pleasure that I introduce J.J. Butler as the College’s next Head Men’s Basketball Coach and new Assistant to the Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement. Coach Butler is a true gentleman, hard worker, and he will be an amazing role model for our student body.”
“I am thrilled and honored to be named the second Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Chestnut Hill College,” Butler gleamed. “I would like to thank Jesse Balcer, Sister Carol, Cara McMahon, Bob Spratt, Jess Day, and the rest of the search committee for giving me this opportunity. Chestnut Hill is a special place, Philadelphia is an awesome city and my wife, Marina, and I are excited to be back. The basketball program is one I am tremendously proud to be a part of and now lead. I am eager to positively impact the lives of young men, while enabling the same sense of pride in both the basketball program and the College itself.” Following his season (2017-2018) as an assistant to Coach Balcer, Butler served as an assistant coach at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) member Susquehanna University (September 2018 – May 2020). In addition to taking over the Chestnut Hill College men’s basketball program, Butler will also assume the title of Assistant to the Athletic Director for Athletic Advancement, a position which plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the College’s Department of Athletics and Recreation.
As an assistant coach for the Susquehanna University Men’s Basketball team, Butler played a significant role in the River Hawks’ first-ever Landmark Conference Championship and their third NCAA DIII Championship Tournament appearance. The 2019-2020 River Hawks ranked 32nd nationally in Scoring Defense (66.4 Opponents’ Points Per Game, April 6, 2020) en route to their 21-8 overall record and their 11-3 Landmark Conference regular-season finish. As an assistant coach, Butler focused on recruiting, scouting reports, individual and group skill development, leading practice drills, as well as, identifying sponsorship opportunities, organizing travel, team meals, and social media campaigns for the program. Butler held similar responsibilities at Chestnut Hill College, where he assisted Balcer in a large scope of activities including, but not limited to, recruiting, individual and group skill development, scouting reports, and practice.
Butler attended DI, Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, before completing is NCAA eligibility at Chestnut Hill College. He totaled 128 points, 70 rebounds, 109 assists, four blocks, and 38 steals in 85 games (9 games started) with the Bisons. While doing so, Butler earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and corporate management (minored in accounting). Following graduation, Butler worked toward his master’s degree in Chestnut Hill College’s administration of human services program. Meanwhile, during the 2016-2017 season, Butler (21 games played – 12 games started) provided 116 points (5.5 Points/Game), 62 rebounds, 52 assists, two blocks, and 38 steals to the Scarlet and Gold’s success.
OFFICIAL: Butler named Head Basketball Coach at Chestnut Hill College
Photo Courtesy Chestnut Hill Athletics
