Jay Butler joined the Dartmouth athletic department as strength and conditioning coach in June, 1996. A 1991 graduate of Bucknell, Butler was a two-time All-America at offensive tackle and a four-year varsity player. He earned his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

After graduation, he played professionally for the New York Giants and the Montreal Machine of the World League of American Football before suffering a career-ending knee injury.

Butler and his wife Joanne reside in Hanover.