The Texas Longhorns have reportedly hired Sean Miller as their next head basketball coach, following the firing of Rodney Terry. Terry had been in place since the suspension of Chris Beard, but was ultimately let go due to a domestic violence accusation. Charges were later dropped in that case. Miller, who previously coached at Arizona and returned to Xavier, the team that Texas lost to in the NCAA Tournament, will take over the program. Terry will receive a $5.4 million buyout as part of his departure agreement after signing a five-year contract following an Elite Eight run.
Miller’s hiring comes after Xavier defeated Texas in the First Four matchup of the NCAA Tournament, despite the Longhorns leading at halftime. Texas was already a surprising choice for the tournament, having gone 19-15 on the year. Xavier, on the other hand, earned a No. 11 seed and ultimately lost to No. 6 Illinois in the first round. Miller just completed his third season with Xavier, reuniting with the team after being fired from Arizona amid an FBI corruption investigation around college basketball. He led the Wildcats to seven NCAA Tournaments during his tenure.
The controversy surrounding Miller during his time at Arizona stemmed from accusations of illicit payments to ensure star center DeAndre Ayton committed to the program. While NIL rules now allow for a pay-to-play system, it was strictly prohibited at the time of the investigation. Despite the turmoil, Miller’s success on the court was evident, as he led Arizona to multiple NCAA Tournaments. His return to Xavier for the 2022-23 season culminated in an appearance in the tournament after missing out the previous year. Miller’s experience and track record make him an enticing hire for the Longhorns.
Terry expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach at Texas, thanking players, coaches, and the university for the experience. His tenure included an Elite Eight run that ended in a loss to No. 2 Miami just before the Final Four. While Terry’s time as head coach came to an end, the Longhorns look to turn the page with Miller at the helm. Despite the early exit from the tournament, Longhorns’ leadership saw enough promise in Xavier’s performance to make the move.
The decision to hire Miller signals a new chapter for the Texas Longhorns basketball program, with high hopes for success under his leadership. While the circumstances surrounding his departure from Arizona were contentious, Miller’s coaching pedigree and ability to lead teams to success were likely factors in the Longhorns’ decision. With Miller’s experience in the NCAA Tournament and proven track record of success, Texas fans will be eager to see how he can elevate the program. The Longhorns are banking on Miller’s leadership to bring them back to the top of college basketball.
