Butler director of athletics Barry Collier announced on Thursday that basketball head coach Brandon Miller is taking a medical leave of absense. Assistant coach Chris Holtmann was named the interim head coach.

Brandon Miller was appointed Butler head coach in July of 2013 shortly after Brad Stevens took the head coaching job with the Boston Celtics. Miller is a former Butler player that had great success in the Bulldog uniform. His playing style was filled with intensity which he has carried over to coaching. Miller spent six seasons under Thad Matta at Ohio State as well as a year at Illinois and Butler in 2007-2008.

The leave of absence comes a few days before Butler is set to begin official practice. The specific medical reason was not disclosed by Barry Collier. "Brandon Miller has requested a leave of absence for medical reasons, which the University has granted," stated Collier. "We are not in a position to further elaborate and we ask that everyone respect Brandon's privacy."

Chris Holtmann was the head coach of Gardner-Webb prior to accepting the assistant coaching position on Brandon Miller's first staff. Holtmann won 21 games in his final season as a head coach.

Indiana Basketball Source sends best wishes to Brandon Miller as he fights this medical battle.