Indiana has sacked coach Archie Miller after four seasons, the school said on Monday.
The Hoosiers again missed the NCAA tournament that season, ending with six straight losses to finish 12-15.
Sports director Scott Dolson released a statement confirming Miller’s firing, saying that “private philanthropic funding” was paid for Miller’s buyout, which was more than $ 10 million.
“As the track and field director, I wanted to wait until the end of the season before evaluating leadership in our men’s basketball program,” said Dolson. “In the days following our season in the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament, I spent a lot of time evaluating our recruitment, athlete development, managerial development, and game philosophy and strategy. The results in court ultimately led me to concluded that a change in leadership in our program is warranted at this point, and I shared my views with Indiana University President Michael McRobbie, and he accepted my recommendation.
“I would like to thank Archie Miller, his staff and their families for their service and dedication to IU and for their tireless dedication to our student athletes, the men’s basketball program and Indiana University. We wish Archie and his family all the best on the next steps in their journey . “
Miller took over the Indiana program in 2017, replacing Tom Crean after six seasons Dayton. During his four seasons at Bloomington, the Hoosiers did not play in a single NCAA tournament game. You probably would have received an offer for the tournament last season but it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana was 67-58 and 33-44 overall in the Big Ten during Miller’s tenure.
“Indiana basketball has a long, rich track record that goes back generations,” said Dolson. “Our five national championships and 22 Big Ten titles make us one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. I have high expectations for our program, and we have not participated at a level within the conference or at a national level. which I think we should. ” “”
Miller attended the NCAA tournament in his last four seasons in Dayton, including an elite eight run in 2014. The Pennsylvania native also served as an assistant coach in Arizona, Ohio, Arizona. in the US state of NC and in Western Kentucky.
The industry’s perception of Miller’s status was that the school would not pay for his buyout without considering upgrading as a replacement. Names associated with the job include former Michigan coach John Beilein, Chris Beard of Texas Tech, and Scott Drew of Baylor, though it’s unclear whether any of those coaches would accept the job.
“While I will not set up a formal search committee, I will consult within the university and with trusted experts across the state and across the country when searching and recruiting a new coach,” said Dolson. “The work to find the next Indiana Basketball director will begin immediately and I will seek a director to work with to restore the Indiana Basketball brand and national presence.”
