Sean Miller is an American college basketball coach currently serving as the head coach of the Xavier Musketeers men’s basketball team. Born on November 17, 1968, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Miller has had a distinguished career both as a player and a coach.
Playing Career:
- High School: Miller was a standout point guard at Blackhawk High School in Chippewa Township, Pennsylvania, leading his team to a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) title in his junior year and averaging 27 points and 11 assists per game in his senior year.
- College: He played for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers from 1987 to 1992, earning Third-team All-Big East honors and Big East Freshman of the Year in 1988. Over his collegiate career, he accumulated 1,282 points and 744 assists.
Coaching Career:
Early Coaching: After graduating in 1992, Miller began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Wisconsin. He then served as an assistant coach at Miami University (Ohio) and later at the University of Pittsburgh. From 1996 to 2001, he was an assistant coach at North Carolina State University, contributing to multiple postseason appearances.
Xavier University (First Stint): Miller joined Xavier University in 2001 as an assistant coach and became the head coach in 2004. During his tenure from 2004 to 2009, he led the Musketeers to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2008. He also secured three Atlantic 10 regular-season championships and one Atlantic 10 tournament title.
University of Arizona: In 2009, Miller became the head coach at the University of Arizona, where he served until 2021. His tenure included multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, with teams advancing to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. He also earned several Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors.
Xavier University (Second Stint): Miller returned to Xavier as head coach in 2022. In his first season back, he guided the team to a 27-10 record, a second-place finish in the Big East regular season, and a runner-up position in the Big East Tournament. The Musketeers advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, where they narrowly lost to Texas.
Recent Developments:
In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Miller’s Xavier team faced the Texas Longhorns in the First Four and secured an 86-80 victory. This win advanced them to a Round of 64 matchup against Illinois. Following this game, reports emerged linking Miller to the head coaching position at the University of Texas, with some suggesting he was a candidate to replace Rodney Terry.
Throughout his career, Miller has been recognized for his coaching excellence, including multiple Coach of the Year awards. He has also contributed to USA Basketball, serving as a head coach for the U-19 national team and earning national coach of the year honors in 2015.