He helped guide Alabama to six NCAA Regional appearances as well as three trips to the College World Series in 1996, 1997 (national runner-up) and 1999 (Final Four).
He helped the Crimson Tide land some of the nation's top talent as Alabama recorded three-consecutive top-10 recruiting classes.
In 2001, Butler took over as head coach at McNeese State in his hometown of Lake Charles, La., where he compiled a 90–83 (.520) overall record in three seasons.
Butler's team gave eventual national champion Rice all they could handle before falling to the Owls, 3–2, in 10 innings.
Under Butler, six players earned All-American honors—Nick Schmidt, Jess Todd, Zack Cox, Brett Eibner, Matt Reynolds, and Ryne Stanek.
Additionally, 51 of his players were drafted, with nine reaching the Major Leagues: Craig Gentry, Blake Parker, Duke Welker, Jess Todd, Logan Forsythe, Dallas Keuchel, Drew Smyly, James McCann, and Andy Wilkins.
On June 16, 2013, Butler was introduced as head coach at Wichita State, succeeding the legendary Gene Stephenson.
Conference tournament champion In June, 2020, Butler returned to McNeese State as the Senior Associate Athletic Director.