Wes Miller Out as University of Cincinnati Men’s Basketball Coach Amid Buyout Negotiations
Cincinnati, Ohio — Wes Miller’s tenure as the University of Cincinnati’s men’s basketball coach has come to an end, according to sources close to the matter. The university has yet to make an official announcement, as both parties are reportedly negotiating the terms of Miller’s buyout.
Miller, who has three years left on his contract, is owed $9.9 million if he is terminated before March 31. However, the payout drops significantly to $4.69 million after April 1. The 40-year-old coach had been at the helm of the Bearcats for five seasons, compiling a 100-74 record. Despite moments of promise, the team’s inability to reach the NCAA Tournament during his tenure ultimately led to the decision.
This season, Cincinnati finished with an 18-15 record, including a late-season surge that saw them win seven of their final ten games. However, their hopes of securing a tournament spot were dashed in a heartbreaking 66-65 loss to UCF in the Big 12 Tournament. The Bearcats had held an eight-point lead with just over two minutes remaining but collapsed in the closing moments.
Miller’s most successful season came in 2022-23, when Cincinnati started 10-1 and briefly climbed to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 rankings. However, the team struggled in conference play, finishing with a disappointing 7-13 record in the Big 12.
Before joining Cincinnati, Miller spent ten seasons at UNC-Greensboro, where he led the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament appearances. His hiring in 2021 was seen as a fresh start for the Bearcats, who had not reached the NCAA Tournament since Mick Cronin’s departure for UCLA in 2019.
Despite Miller’s efforts, the program has struggled to regain its former prominence. The university’s decision to part ways reflects the high expectations surrounding Cincinnati basketball, a program with a storied history and a passionate fanbase.
As negotiations continue, the focus now shifts to finding a successor who can restore the Bearcats to their former glory. The search for a new coach will likely begin soon, with the university aiming to make a swift and impactful hire.
For Miller, the future remains uncertain. While his departure marks the end of an era at Cincinnati, his track record suggests he could still be a sought-after candidate for other coaching opportunities.
— Reported by Nexio News
