Miller out as Arizona men’s hoops coach
Arizona is parting with men’s basketball coach Sean Miller after his 12 seasons with the Wildcats, the school confirmed in an announcement Wednesday.
Miller led Arizona to the NCAA Tournament in seven of his first nine seasons at the school, including three appearances in the Elite Eight.
However, Arizona was implicated in an FBI investigation into recruiting corruption in college basketball that became public in 2017.
Former assistant coach Emmanuel Richardson pleaded guilty to a bribery charge and served three months in federal prison for his role in the FBI case.
“We appreciate Sean’s commitment to our basketball program and to the university,” athletic director 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.”
Arizona received a notice of allegations from the NCAA that accused the school of five Level I violations, which include multiple allegations of academic misconduct, a bribery scheme and the cover-up of a loan.
Miller was charged with failing to promote compliance.
The notice of allegations says Miller, as head coach, is presumed responsible for five of the allegations and “did not demonstrate that he promoted an atmosphere for compliance and monitored his staff within the basketball program.”
Former assistant coach Mark Phelps and Richardson were charged with unethical recruiting conduct.
The Wildcats self-imposed a postseason ban this season as they await a ruling regarding penalties from the Independent Accountability Resolution Process of the NCAA that is overseeing the case.
Miller had one year remaining on his contract.
Arizona said it would honor the terms of his existing deal, meaning he was due a buyout just under $1.5 million without the responsibility to offset the cost through future employment.
Miller finishes his career at Arizona with a 302-109 record.
He previous coached five seasons at Xavier, where he took the Musketeers to four NCAA Tournaments.
Associate head coach Jack Murphy will serve as interim head coach of the Wildcats while the school seeks to find a replacement for Miller.