After reportedly expressing interest in the Tennessee job, Chris Holtmann has agreed to a contract extension to remain Butler's men's basketball coach.
Butler announced the deal, which runs through 2021, on Monday. The 43-year-old Holtmann was the school's interim coach for three months before being named the full-time coach in January. Holtmann took over for Brandon Miller, who was granted a medical leave. Holtmann led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Texas in the Round of 64 and lost to Notre Dame in the Round of 32.
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"(Holtmann) has provided outstanding leadership for our student-athletes, embodied the Butler Way and represented Butler University extremely well," Butler athletic director Barry Collier said in a statement.
Butler president James Danko praised Holtmann for excelling under "challenging circumstances."
"Chris Holtmann stepped in this past season and quickly demonstrated himself worthy of continuing the Butler legacy of excellent coaching and thoughtful leadership, including Barry Collier, that has underpinned Butler's success. I am delighted that Chris is committed to coaching Butler for many years to come," Danko said in the statement.
The Bulldogs went from 14-17 in 2013-14 to 23-11 this season. The turnaround was the fourth-largest in Big East Conference history.
"As a family, we are excited about this opportunity and we are very grateful to be able to serve Butler University in this role for years to come," Holtmann said in the statement. "This has become home for us and I believe that we achieved success this year because of the quality of people in and around our program that Butler attracts. We understand the great responsibility in this role and will work extremely hard to make those who care about Butler basketball proud. I want to thank President Danko and Barry Collier for their significant leadership and support."