Head coach Jeff Voris has added two former Butler players to his coaching staff for the 2017 season. Derek Day ('09) will fill the role of linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator, while Trae Heeter ('14) will coach tight ends.
 
Day returns to Indianapolis after spending two years as defensive quality control and assistant linebackers coach for the University of Tennessee. During his time on staff, the Volunteers notched championship wins at the 2016 Music City Bowl and 2015 Outback Bowl. At Tennessee, Day coached Second Team All-SEC Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Freshman All-SEC Linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr.
 
"We are excited to have Derek joining our staff as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator," Voris said. "He has a tremendous passion for Butler University, and his background and knowledge will benefit our program across the board. We can't wait for Derek to get around our players and staff this spring."
 
Day graduated from Butler after starting all four years at defensive end. He helped the program reach its first winning season in over a decade before taking graduate assistant coaching stints at Western Kentucky and Iowa State.
 
Heeter joins the coaching staff, bringing experience as one of the top running backs in Butler history. An offensive threat for the Bulldogs, he was a two-time First Team All-PFL running back and scored a league-high 16 touchdowns in 2013. Heeter completed his playing career in 2013 with 3,329 total rushing yards, good for fourth on Butler's all-time rushing list. He was part of the Bulldogs' 9-4 record and appearance in the NCAA Division I Football Championship in 2013.
 
"Trae brings a ton of energy and a great passion for the game," Voris said. "We look forward to having Trae and his positive energy back in Hinkle and around our program."
 
Heeter's performance helped the team become the first team in school and PFL history to earn a berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship.
                                                       
Additionally, Voris announced the transition of assistant head coach Joe Cheshire to defensive coordinator. As assistant head coach, Cheshire also served as Butler's recruiting coordinator and worked with the defensive secondary.  
 
"Joe has worn a ton of different hats within our program and I felt he was the perfect fit to lead our defense into the future," Voris said.
 
Cheshire joined the Butler staff in 2004.