5 Key Facts About Connor McCaffery: The Man Supporting Caitlin Clark's WNBA Ascension
The relationship between WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark and her long-time boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, remains one of the most talked-about topics in sports as of December 23, 2025. While Clark continues to redefine the landscape of professional basketball with the Indiana Fever, McCaffery has been quietly building his own impressive career in the coaching world, transitioning from a standout two-sport athlete at the University of Iowa to an NCAA assistant coach.
The couple, who celebrated their two-year anniversary in April 2025, represents a true college sports power couple, having met and fallen in love during their time as Iowa Hawkeyes. Their bond, built on a shared understanding of elite-level athletics and the pressures of a public life, has proven to be a steady anchor for Clark during her record-breaking transition to the WNBA. This in-depth profile reveals everything you need to know about the man supporting the biggest name in basketball.
The Complete Biography of Connor McCaffery
Connor McCaffery is far more than just "Caitlin Clark's boyfriend." He is a former Division I athlete with a strong family legacy in college basketball and a rapidly ascending career in coaching. His own journey provides a unique perspective that perfectly complements Clark's high-profile life.
- Full Name: Connor McCaffery
- Date of Birth: July 13, 1998
- Age: 27 years old (as of July 2025)
- Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
- Parents: Fran McCaffery (Head Men's Basketball Coach at the University of Iowa) and Margaret McCaffery
- Siblings: Patrick McCaffery, Jack McCaffery, Marit McCaffery, Jonathan McCaffery (all involved in basketball)
- High School: West High School (Iowa City, IA)
- College: University of Iowa
- College Degrees: Bachelor's degrees in Finance and Political Science (Graduated May 2023)
- College Sports: Two-sport athlete (Men's Basketball and Baseball)
- Current Role: Assistant Coach, Butler University Men's Basketball
- Previous Role: Staff member for the Indiana Pacers
From Hawkeye Teammates to a WNBA Power Couple
The foundation of Caitlin Clark and Connor McCaffery's relationship is their shared experience as elite athletes within the demanding Iowa Hawkeyes program. They both understood the rigors of the Big Ten, the pressure of national attention, and the commitment required to excel at the Division I level. This mutual understanding is a key element in their enduring bond.
The Iowa Connection: A Shared Athletic Journey
Connor McCaffery spent six years playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team under his father, Head Coach Fran McCaffery. His college career was marked by consistency and playmaking, where he earned a reputation as a versatile guard and a strong passer. Across his tenure, he averaged 4.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing his value as a true team player. Notably, he was also a two-sport athlete, playing baseball for the Hawkeyes as an outfielder.
Caitlin Clark, of course, became a global phenomenon while playing for the Iowa women's basketball team, shattering NCAA scoring records and leading the Hawkeyes to back-to-back National Championship games. While they were not teammates in the traditional sense, their daily lives revolved around the same facilities, training schedules, and high-stakes environment in Iowa City.
Relationship Timeline and Public Debut
The couple officially started dating in April 2023, towards the end of their respective college careers. However, they kept their relationship private for the first few months. The public confirmation came in August 2023 when Clark posted a photo of the two of them on her Instagram, making their status official. Since then, they have frequently shared supportive messages and photos, celebrating milestones like their two-year anniversary in April 2025.
Connor McCaffery’s Rapid Rise in the Coaching Ranks
After graduating from Iowa in May 2023 with degrees in Finance and Political Science, Connor McCaffery quickly pivoted his deep knowledge of the game into a professional career off the court. His post-playing career has been a swift ascent, demonstrating his commitment to the sport in a new capacity.
From the Pacers to Butler University
McCaffery first landed a role with the Indiana Pacers organization, gaining valuable experience in the professional sports world. This position was short-lived but instrumental, allowing him to understand the operational side of the NBA and the transition from college to the pros—a perspective that is invaluable to Clark.
In September 2024, McCaffery made a significant move back to the college game, joining the Butler University men's basketball staff as an assistant coach. This move to Indianapolis, Indiana, proved to be a perfect fit, as it placed him in the same city where Clark plays for the Indiana Fever WNBA team. His role as an assistant coach involves recruiting, player development, and strategic planning, making him a key part of the Bulldogs' program under head coach Thad Matta.
The McCaffery Family Basketball Dynasty
Connor's deep roots in basketball are impossible to ignore. His father, Fran McCaffery, is a highly respected and long-tenured head coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes. His younger brother, Jack McCaffery, is also a Division I basketball player, currently playing for the Butler Bulldogs, where Connor is now an assistant coach. This family connection ensures that basketball is a constant, shared passion, providing a strong support system for both Connor and Caitlin Clark.
The Dynamic of a High-Profile Sports Relationship
Navigating a relationship while one partner is arguably the most famous athlete in the country—and the other is establishing a new coaching career—presents unique challenges. However, the couple has been lauded for their unwavering support of one another.
Mutual Support Amidst WNBA Fame
As Caitlin Clark transitioned to the WNBA and faced unprecedented media scrutiny, the stability of her relationship with McCaffery has been a constant narrative. McCaffery has been spotted cheering her on at Fever games, and his public tributes to her have consistently been heartfelt and supportive. For Clark, having a partner who understands the demands, the travel, the losses, and the intense focus of professional sports is a crucial element of her success. Their bond is a testament to prioritizing personal life while balancing massive professional ambitions.
A Shared Future in Indiana
The fact that both Connor McCaffery and Caitlin Clark are currently based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been a major advantage for the couple. Clark plays for the Indiana Fever, and McCaffery coaches for Butler University, which is also located in Indianapolis. This geographical alignment, which followed Clark’s move to the WNBA, allows them to maintain a close relationship despite their demanding schedules. Their ability to manage the professional demands of WNBA stardom and NCAA coaching while remaining in the same city is a key factor in their ongoing success as a couple.
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