Butler removes interim tag from Holtmann

Indianapolis, IN (SportsNetwork.com) - Chris Holtmann has been appointed as Butler's permanent head coach after serving in an interim capacity for the past three months.

Holtmann took over the Bulldogs' head coaching duties when Brandon Miller was granted an indefinite leave of absence on Oct. 2 to deal with a medical issue. The school revealed Friday, while simultaneously announcing Holtmann's promotion, that Miller will not be returning to the program.

"We want to thank Brandon Miller for his many contributions to Butler over the last 18 months, and wish him well," said Butler director of athletics Barry Collier. "Out of respect for Brandon and his privacy, we will have no additional comment."

Butler won eight of its first nine games, including a 74-66 decision over then-No. 5 North Carolina in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, under Holtmann's direction and were ranked as high as 15th in the national polls earlier this season. The Bulldogs will take a 10-4 record into Saturday's Big East matchup at No. 15 St. John's at Madison Square Garden.

"Chris has provided important leadership and coached successfully in a difficult situation," said Collier. "He has fully embraced the Butler Way and we are confident in the future of our basketball program with Chris at the helm."

Holtmann had previously been the head coach at Gardner-Webb for three seasons (2010-13) prior to joining Miller's staff for the 2013-14 campaign.