Coach Butler is a Marin County native who attended Sir Francis Drake High School where he played three sports (basketball, baseball, football). He was a part of back to back NCS appearing teams (Runner-Up in 1992) as a three year varsity player. The 1992 team went 26-6, was the Co-MCAL Champion, before losing in the State semifinals. Coach Butler then attended the University of Arizona where he played rugby for National Team Head Coach and Basketball Play by Play announcer Dave Sitton for 2 years.
In 2002 Coach Butler committed to teaching and coaching as a career. After 2 years assisting the Varsity Boys Basketball program at Marin Academy, where they made 2 straight BCL and NCS appearances, he moved down the street to become both Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at San Rafael High School. He was the Head Coach for 8 years and remained on staff for a total of 12. The run included several NCS appearances, highlighted by a 21-10 season in 2011, still the only 20 win season since the late 90’s. He continues to teach Physical Education and Health Science at SRHS.
In 2018, Coach Butler took his coaching experience to the girls side by accepting the helm at San Marin High School. Over the last two years the Mustangs have won 38 games, making both the NCS and MCAL playoffs in each. The Mustangs went 21-10 in 2019-20, culminating in the school’s first MCAL Championship appearance since 2012 and the first NCS championship in school history. He has also established the popular all girls Mustang Summer Girls Basketball Camp.
Coach Butler has coached with NBBA since 2011, guiding teams from 4th grade to the High School Elite Travel, running group instruction, sitting on the board, volunteering for CYO coaching clinics, and being an ambassador to Marin basketball through various club programs.
Coach Butler is married with 2 daughters, currently ages 10 & 12 that are passionate hoopers. He also coaches both of their CYO squads. Tony is also a 2 time Novato Girls Softball Coach of the Year. He is not just interested in Girls Athletics, he is invested.