Iowa tabs Butler's Lickliter as new basketball coach

Apr 3, 2007, 3:50 GMT

Iowa City, IA - Iowa has hired Butler head coach Todd Lickliter as its new basketball coach.

The school will make the hiring official at a news conference on Tuesday.

'I've always had the greatest admiration for the University of Iowa and its men's basketball program,' said Lickliter. 'I was excited about the opportunity to interview and, afterward, I was extremely excited. It was clear that we shared a common approach and vision for a successful basketball program and the experience of being a student-athlete.'

Led by Lickliter, Butler posted a Horizon League-record 29 wins this past season and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national champion Florida. For his efforts, Lickliter was named the 2007 NCAA Division I Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

'Todd Lickliter is a proven winner at the highest level,' said Iowa director of athletics Gary Barta. 'He has a strong commitment to academics and his Midwestern values are a perfect fit for Iowa.'

In six seasons at Butler, Lickliter recorded an impressive record of 131-61 that included two appearances in the Sweet 16. He will replace Steve Alford, who left for New Mexico after compiling a 152-106 record in eight seasons at Iowa. The Hawkeyes were in the NCAA Tournament three times during his tenure, but Iowa ended at 17-14 this season and were eliminated in the quarterfinal round of the Big Ten Tournament.

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