Sean Miller fired after 12 seasons as Arizona head coach
Sean Miller, head coach at Arizona for the last 12 seasons, has been fired. Miller went 302-109 overall and went to seven NCAA Tournaments, but the Wildcats are 55-35 over the last three years and have missed multiple postseasons in a row.
“We appreciate Sean’s commitment to our basketball program and to the university,” AD Dave Heeke said in a statement. “After taking the many factors involved into account, we simply believe that we need a fresh start and now is the time. I want to thank Sean, Amy and their sons for their service to the university and wish them the very best in the future.”
Miller was charged by the NCAA for a failure to monitor his program four years ago and the school repeatedly stood by him. However, his contract is up after next season and the after a few years with no NCAA Tournaments it seems the sentiment has changed.
“We have a storied men’s basketball program with unbelievable fan support, facilities and resources,” Heeke continued. “While we will not put a timeline on our search, we will move as expeditiously as possible and will include a broad array of candidates, identifying coaches who exhibit integrity, competitiveness and a genuine care for the student-athletes. I am confident that we will have a diverse pool and find the right fit for Arizona men’s basketball.”
Jack Murphy, who left a head coaching role at Northern Arizona two years ago to join the U of A staff, will serve as interim head coach in the meantime. For an idea of who might be the next head coach at Arizona, check our list of potential candidates here.
credit to Casey Sapio/USA TODAY Sports for the image