[5] Butcher became a starter for the Pistons and had career-bests during the 1963-64 season with 1,971 minutes played, 563 points scored, 329 rebounds, and 244 assists.

[4][6] He took over as regular head coach for the 1967–68 season, leading the team to a 40–42 and a spot in the division semifinals where they lost to the Boston Celtics.

He was fired in early December 1968 after the team compiled a 52-60 record, and 2-4 in the playoffs, as the Pistons' coach.

He later became a representative for Converse responsible for conducting basketball clinics and signing athletes to shoe contracts.

[9][10] Butcher died in October 2012, or month after being diagnosed with and advanced stage of kidney cancer.