Kyle Conner Returns To Butler Football Staff

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. -- Former Butler player and coach Kyle Conner has returned to the Bulldogs’ football staff.  Conner, who was an assistant coach at Valparaiso last year, has been named offensive line coach at Butler.  He replaces former assistant coach Nick Tabacca, who was named offensive line coach at Ball State last month.

“Kyle brings a lot of energy and experience to our staff.  He is a Butler guy who truly believes in the Butler Way,” said Butler head coach Jeff Voris.  “Kyle has coached on both sides of the ball in Division I football, and he has a great understanding of offensive line play.  From his first day back on campus, he has made a tremendous impact on our program, and we can’t wait to get started this spring.”

Conner was a standout wide receiver for the Bulldogs, 1997-2000, and he finished his career in third place on Butler’s all-time list for pass receptions (124) and in fourth place in all-time receiving yards (1,801).  He remains on Butler’s “Top 10” list in both categories.  He also owns Butler’s sixth-highest single season totals for receptions (63 in 2000) and receiving yards (876 in 2000) and Butler’s single game record for receiving yards (260 vs. San Diego, 2000).

The former Chatard High School player was a team captain as a senior and a two-time All-Pioneer Football League performer.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from Butler in 2001.

Conner first joined Butler’s football staff in 2002 as tight ends coach, and he coached wide receivers in 2003 and 2004.  He served as Co-Offensive Coordinator for the Bulldogs in 2005.

“It’s great to be back at Butler,” said Conner.  “I have always followed the football program here, and I look forward to working with Coach Voris and the rest of the staff.”

Conner spent five seasons, 2006-10, on the football staff at Indiana.  He served as Offensive Quality Control coach in 2006 and then coached tight ends in 2007 and 2008, before adding assistant offensive line coach duties in 2009.  In his final season at Indiana he coached offensive tackles and tight ends.  He was part of the staff that led Indiana to its first bowl game in 14 years in 2007.

During his one season at Valparaiso, Conner served as secondary coach and special teams coordinator.

(Practice photo courtesy of Indiana University Sports Information.)