In an unexpected twist, Patrick McCaffery, the younger brother of Connor McCaffery, revealed a surprising side of his brother’s personality during a recent appearance on The Bulldog Bark Podcast. Known for his calm and composed demeanor on and off the basketball court, Connor, who now serves as an assistant coach for Butler University’s basketball team, might not be as laid-back as he appears. Patrick’s revelation gives insight into Connor’s competitive side, which has apparently always been present, but only recently came to light.
Connor McCaffery has long been recognized for his intelligence on the basketball court, with an exceptional assist-to-turnover ratio that ranks among the best in NCAA history. His transition from a player to an assistant coach at Butler University has been widely supported, both by fans and his basketball peers. But Patrick McCaffery’s candid confession on the podcast paints a different picture of his brother’s fierce competitive nature—one that he doesn’t always show publicly.
According to Patrick, the two brothers avoided playing one-on-one basketball for a long time because their matches often turned physical. “Connor and I didn’t play one-on-one for a really long time because we would fight and it would get like bad—like we punch each other, all that kind of stuff,” Patrick shared. The admission of such intense sibling rivalry sheds light on Connor’s passion and the high-stakes mentality that drives him, even outside the spotlight of a professional setting.
This fierce competitiveness seems to carry over into his role as a coach, where the intense approach that once defined his playing days now shapes how he mentors players at Butler. His rise as an assistant coach signals a continuation of his leadership and commitment to the game, as well as the fiery nature that has become central to his personality.
As he navigates the early stages of his coaching career, Connor has found steadfast support from his girlfriend, Caitlin Clark, who herself is a basketball powerhouse. Clark, a star player for the Indiana Fever, has been a constant presence in Connor’s life, offering unwavering encouragement as he transitions from player to coach. Most recently, she was spotted attending a Butler practice session, watching from the sidelines as Connor worked with his new team.
Clark’s support isn’t just confined to being a spectator at practices. She publicly congratulated Connor when he joined the Butler staff, celebrating his career milestone on social media. Their bond, which has long been a subject of interest among fans, continues to be a significant part of both of their careers. While Clark is currently taking a brief break from basketball after the Fever’s playoff exit to pursue other interests, including her passion for golf, her commitment to Connor’s journey remains evident.
The couple’s relationship provides a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes support that often goes unnoticed in the world of professional sports. Both Connor and Caitlin are navigating their individual careers while continuing to be each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Their shared experiences in basketball, though at different levels, create a unique dynamic where each supports the other in their personal and professional growth.
Connor McCaffery’s shift from player to coach at Butler marks a new chapter in his basketball career, one that’s supported by his girlfriend, Caitlin Clark, and their shared love for the game. While the intense, competitive nature revealed by his brother Patrick adds a new layer to Connor’s personality, it’s clear that the transition has been a smooth one, thanks to his basketball intelligence and leadership skills developed during his playing years at Iowa.
As Connor continues to shape the next generation of basketball players at Butler, Caitlin Clark’s presence in his life remains a powerful motivator. Her own basketball journey, marked by her talent and accomplishments with the Indiana Fever, has shown that they are both dedicated to helping each other succeed. The McCaffery family dynamic, with its mix of competitiveness and support, adds yet another layer to the compelling narratives unfolding within the world of basketball.
For now, fans can expect to see more of Connor McCaffery’s coaching career unfold at Butler, while also keeping an eye on Caitlin Clark’s next moves as she takes time for herself before diving back into basketball. Together, they continue to navigate their paths, each playing an important role in the other’s success, both on and off the court.
