Matt Jones is the online sports editor for the Arkansas-Democrat-Gazette and Northwest Arkansas Newspapers.
Butler staying at Arkansas
By:
Matt Jones
Published: Saturday, June 30, 2012
Photo by Michael Woods
Todd Butler, University of Arkansas recruiting coordinator and assistant coach, watches the Razorbacks Tuesday morning during practice at Regions Park in Hoover, Alabama as the Razorbacks prepare to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the SEC baseball tournament.
FAYETTEVILLE — Todd Butler will remain as Arkansas’ hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, Razorbacks’ head coach Dave Van Horn confirmed on Friday.
Butler was a top candidate for the same position at Texas and had interviewed with the Longhorns earlier this week. Texas is looking for a replacement for Tommy Harmon, who was let go after 23 years as an assistant coach with the team.
“Texas wanted him and offered him the job, but Todd decided to stay at Arkansas,” Van Horn said. “That’s great news for our program because he’s been a huge part of our success. He’s a dynamic recruiter and he teaches all three phases of the game. We’re excited he’s staying.”
Arkansas hired Butler from Alabama, where he was an assistant coach, prior to the 2006 season. The former McNeese State head coach also serves as Arkansas’ recruiting coordinator and helped the Razorbacks land some of college baseball’s top signing classes in recent years.
Arkansas went 46-22 this season and finished third in the College World Series for the second time in four years.
