The Archie Miller era at Indiana University has officially ended. The university announced the decision to part ways with Miller on Monday, just four days after IU lost its first game in the Big Ten Tournament.
Finishing 67-58 overall, the Hoosiers failed to make it to the NCAA tournament in each season of Miller’s four years. Indiana would have qualified for the 2019 NCAA tournament; however, that season ended early due to COVID-19.
“As the Director of Athletics, I wanted to wait until the conclusion of the season before evaluating the leadership of our men’s basketball program. In the days following the completion of our season in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, I have spent a great deal of time evaluating our recruiting, student-athlete development, leadership development, and playing philosophy and strategy. That review, combined with the on-court results, ultimately led me to conclude that a change in leadership of our program is warranted at this time. I shared my assessment with Indiana University President Michael McRobbie, and he accepted my recommendation.
I want to thank Archie Miller, his staff, and their families for their service and commitment to IU and for his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, the men’s basketball program and Indiana University. We wish Archie and his family all the best in the next steps of their journey.
Given the university’s very tight financial situation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, private philanthropic funding has been obtained for all transition costs and obligations related to the change in leadership. We worked to secure the necessary private support following my recommendation to President McRobbie, ensuring that there would be no charges to the university budget.
Indiana Basketball has a long, rich history of success that dates back generations. Our five national championships and 22 Big Ten titles make us one of the most accomplished programs in college basketball history. I have high expectations for our program, and we have not competed at a level within the conference or nationally that I believe we should.
While I will not establish a formal search committee, I will consult within the University and with trusted experts in the state and around the country as I seek out and recruit a new coach. The work to find the next leader of Indiana Basketball will begin immediately, and I will seek a chief executive that I can partner with to reestablish the brand and national presence of Indiana Basketball.”
Indiana University AD Scott Dolson
Indiana has a hefty buyout commitment on Miller’s remaining contract. The cost for the university is in just over $10 million, but those payments will spread across multiple years.
Miller helped the IU program improve in end of season KenPom ratings from 71 in 2018 to 34 in 2020. Nonetheless, another missed NCAA tournament in 2021 forced the hand of Indiana’s newly-minted athletic director Scott Dolson.
