04/07/2021

TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona announced today (April 7) that men’s basketball head coach Sean Miller will be leaving the program. The University will honor the terms of his existing contract.
 
Miller served as head coach for 12 seasons, compiling an overall record of 302-109, including a 150-68 record in Pac-10/Pac-12 play. He guided the Wildcats to seven NCAA tournaments, including three Elite Eight appearances. Miller also led Arizona to five regular season conference championships and three Pac-12 Tournament titles.
 
“We appreciate Sean’s commitment to our basketball program and to the university,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. “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.”
 
Heeke announced that associate head coach Jack Murphy will serve as interim head coach.
 
Miller arrived in Tucson after serving as the head coach at Xavier University for five seasons after serving as an assistant coach at Xavier, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Miami (Ohio) and Wisconsin.
 
“After conferring with Dave Heeke since the season’s end, it has become clear that our men’s basketball program – and our University – needs to write a new chapter in our history, and that begins with a change of leadership,” said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “Arizona Basketball means so much to so many and, as stewards of the program, we must always act in the best interests of the university. I believe our future is bright, and I look forward to welcoming a new head coach to the Wildcat family.”
 
The national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
 
“We have a storied men’s basketball program with unbelievable fan support, facilities and resources,” Heeke said. “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.”

COURTESY ARIZONA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS