Archie Miller fired after four seasons at Indiana

After going 67-56 and failing to reach the NCAA Tournament in four seasons as Indiana head coach, Archie Miller was fired by the school on Monday. The Hoosiers were 12-15 (7-12) this season and missed out on a March Madness event played entirely in the state of Indiana, including games in Assembly Hall.

“I want to thank Archie Miller, his staff, and their families for their service and commitment to IU and for his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, the men’s basketball program and Indiana University,” said AD Scott Dolson in a statement. “We wish Archie and his family all the best in the next steps of their journey.

Indiana Basketball has a long, rich history of success that dates back generations. Our five national championships and 22 Big Ten titles make us one of the most accomplished programs in college basketball history. I have high expectations for our program, and we have not competed at a level within the conference or nationally that I believe we should.”

While the on-court results certainly warrant a change, the biggest question mark was around paying the reported $10.5 million buyout in Miller’s contract during the ongoing pandemic. According to Dolson, “private philanthropic funding has been obtained for all transition costs and obligations related to the change in leadership.”

Many names will fly around over the coming weeks, though Dolson likely has a list in mind already. The benefit of this year’s Tournament being nearby allows easy access to potential candidates, like Chris Beard (Texas Tech), Scott Drew (Baylor) and Nate Oats (Alabama).

However, the #1 choice for many Hoosier fans would be Indiana-native and current Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. Thriving in the NBA the last time the Hoosiers were hiring a coach (2017), Stevens has struggled to turn a corner in Boston and may be open to shifting back to the college game.

credit to USA TODAY SPORTS for the image