The University of Cincinnati has parted ways with men's basketball head coach Wes Miller after five seasons at the helm, according to ESPN sources.
Miller's dismissal comes on the heels of another season without an NCAA Tournament berth, as the Bearcats concluded the 2024-25 campaign with an 18-15 record. Throughout his five-year tenure, Cincinnati never reached March Madness under Miller's guidance.
The final blow came during a pivotal Big 12 tournament matchup against UCF on Wednesday. Despite holding an eight-point advantage in the closing two minutes of regulation, the Bearcats collapsed and ultimately fell 66-65 in overtime, effectively ending their postseason hopes.
Miller arrived in Cincinnati in 2021 following John Brannen's departure, bringing with him an impressive decade-long resume from UNC Greensboro. During his time with the Spartans, Miller compiled at least 21 victories in each of his final five seasons while capturing three regular-season championships and securing two NCAA Tournament appearances.
The university showed initial confidence in Miller's direction, awarding him a two-year contract extension just 20 months into his tenure after an 18-15 debut season. His subsequent campaigns showed promise on paper - 23-13 in 2022-23 and 22-15 in 2023-24 - but both seasons concluded without the coveted tournament invitation.
Last season brought heightened expectations for the Bearcats program. Cincinnati entered the year ranked No. 20 in the preseason Associated Press poll and climbed as high as No. 14 following a strong 10-1 start to the season.
However, conference play proved challenging as the Bearcats managed just a 7-13 record in Big 12 competition, once again finding themselves on the outside looking in when Selection Sunday arrived.
This season appeared to follow a similar trajectory until a late-season surge provided hope. The Bearcats recovered from early struggles by winning seven of their final nine regular-season contests, positioning themselves for potential at-large consideration heading into the conference tournament.
The coaching change comes with significant financial implications for the university. Miller's current contract includes three remaining years with substantial buyout provisions - $9.9 million if terminated before March 31, 2026, and $4.69 million if dismissed on or after April 1.
Miller brings notable basketball pedigree to his coaching career. He is the son of Kenneth D. Miller, whose name graces Wake Forest's athletic facility. As a player, Miller began his collegiate career at James Madison before transferring to North Carolina, where he played under Roy Williams and captured a national championship with the Tar Heels in 2005.
Cincinnati now faces the task of identifying a replacement who can restore the program to its former glory and return the Bearcats to March Madness for the first time since 2019. The search will likely focus on candidates with proven tournament experience and the ability to navigate the competitive Big 12 landscape.