Cincinnati Fires Head Coach Wes Miller After Five Seasons
Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball have dismissed head coach Wes Miller after five seasons, according to reports from ESPN. The move comes after the program once again failed to qualify for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, continuing a frustrating run for the Bearcats.
Table of Contents
Cincinnati’s Late Season Collapse Ends Tournament Hopes
Cincinnati finished the 2025–26 season with an 18–15 overall record. The team had regained momentum late in the season, winning seven of its final nine games to reenter the NCAA tournament conversation. However, their hopes were dashed during the Big 12 Conference tournament.
In a crucial matchup against the UCF Knights men’s basketball, the Bearcats held an eight point lead with just two minutes remaining in regulation. Despite appearing in control, the team allowed UCF to mount a late comeback, forcing overtime. Cincinnati eventually lost the game 66–65, effectively ending their chances of receiving an at large bid to the NCAA tournament.
Miller’s Tenure at Cincinnati
Miller was appointed head coach in 2021 after replacing John Brannen. Before arriving at Cincinnati, Miller had established a strong coaching reputation during his decade long tenure with the UNC Greensboro Spartans men’s basketball.
During his time at UNC Greensboro, Miller led the program to sustained success. The Spartans recorded at least 21 wins in each of his final five seasons. He also guided the team to three regular season conference championships and two appearances in the NCAA tournament.
When Miller arrived at Cincinnati, expectations were high that he would help restore the program’s national competitiveness. His first season ended with an 18–15 record. The team showed improvement the following year, finishing 23–13, and then recorded a 22–15 record in the 2023–24 season. Despite those improvements, Cincinnati was unable to secure an NCAA tournament appearance during his tenure.
The 2025–26 season initially appeared promising. The Bearcats entered the year ranked No. 20 in the preseason poll released by the Associated Press. After a strong 10–1 start, the team climbed as high as No. 14 in the rankings. However, struggles during conference play led to a 7–13 record in the Big 12, pushing Cincinnati back onto the wrong side of the tournament bubble.
Contract Situation and Coaching Future
Miller still has three years remaining on his contract, which carries a significant financial clause. If he is officially terminated before March 31, 2026, he will be owed a buyout of $9.9 million. If the decision is finalized on or after April 1, the payout drops to approximately $4.69 million.
Beyond coaching, Miller has strong ties to college basketball. He is the son of Kenneth D. Miller, whose name is attached to the athletic facility at Wake Forest University. As a player, Miller began his college career at James Madison University before transferring to University of North Carolina. While playing for legendary coach Roy Williams, he was part of the Tar Heels team that won the national championship in 2005.
With Miller’s departure, Cincinnati will now begin its search for a new head coach as the program aims to return to consistent contention for the NCAA tournament.
No Comments