Donnie Butcher retires after 21 seasons coaching UC Basketball

University of the Cumberlands Men’s Basketball Coach Donnie Butcher is stepping down after 21 season and 452 wins at the helm of the program.

Officials with the UC Athletic Department announced that the retirement is effective Tuesday.

“It is sad to see the Donnie Butcher era come to a close,” said UC President Dr. Larry Cockrum. “Donnie has been a tremendous asset to Cumberlands for more than three decades. In addition to begin a great coach, he has served as a role model and mentor for many student-athletes and younger coaches.”

Butcher’s 452 wins ranks 12^th in the NAIA among active NAIA coaches. He has led the Patriots to eight consecutive NAIA national tournament appearances.

Butcher spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach at UC under Randy Vernon and two season as an assistant at Georgetown College before taking over the reins in November 2000.

Butcher was named Mid-South Conference Coach of the year three times, following the 2000-01, 2002-03, and 2010-11 seasons.

Under his leadership, the Patriots advanced to the Elite Eight in 2015-16.