Cincinnati Moving on from Wes Miller
The University of Cincinnati is moving on from men’s basketball head coach Wes Miller after five seasons, according to multiple reports, following another year that ended short of an NCAA Tournament appearance.
The decision comes shortly after the Bearcats’ crushing exit from the Big 12 Tournament, where Cincinnati fell 66–65 in overtime to UCF in Kansas City. Cincinnati appeared to be in control late in regulation, holding an eight-point advantage with just over two minutes remaining, but the Knights rallied to force overtime and ultimately secure the win.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton / Bearcatsportshub)
Athletic director John Cunningham made the decision following the loss. While the move has effectively been made internally, reports indicate the university is expected to wait until April 1 to formally finalize the separation. Miller’s contract stipulates that his buyout drops from $9.9 million to roughly $4.7 million on that date.
Miller finishes his Cincinnati tenure with a 100–74 overall record. Despite several seasons hovering near postseason contention, the Bearcats were unable to break through for a tournament berth during his five years leading the program. The 2025-26 campaign ended at 18–15 (10-10 Big 12, including post season), leaving Cincinnati once again on the outside of the tournament field.
Following the loss to UCF, Miller defended the progress his program had made while acknowledging the expectations surrounding Cincinnati basketball.
“We took over during a difficult moment for the program,” Miller told CBS Sports. “There were a lot of changes happening — NIL, the transfer portal, and the transition into the Big 12. I’m proud of the work our staff and players put in and the competitiveness we’ve shown. Cincinnati belongs in the NCAA Tournament, and I believe we’ve been building something sustainable.”
Ultimately, the lack of postseason appearances proved too much to overcome. Entering the year, sources around the program indicated that an NCAA Tournament berth would likely be necessary for Miller to remain in charge.
Miller was hired in 2021 after a successful run at UNC Greensboro, where he compiled multiple 20-win seasons and guided the program to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. He inherited a program dealing with instability after the dismissal of former coach John Brannen and only a few years removed from the consistent success achieved under Mick Cronin.
During Miller’s tenure, Cincinnati also navigated moving from the American Athletic Conference into the Big 12 Conference beginning with the 2023-24 season. The transition placed the Bearcats in one of the nation’s most competitive leagues, where results proved difficult to come by. Cincinnati went 23-33 in Big 12 play across three seasons.
The Bearcats showed signs of life late this season, winning several games down the stretch to reenter the tournament conversation. But their collapse against UCF effectively ended any realistic hopes of an at-large bid.
(Photo: Taylor Keeton / Bearcatsportshub)
The program’s struggles have frustrated a fan base craving national relevance. Miller was consistently boo'd when announced following pre-game player introductions. Following the home loss to West Virginia, where Cincinnati blew a double-digit lead, Miller went as far as stopping and apologizing to fans before heading into the locker room.
Cincinnati was a regular participant in March Madness for much of the previous two decades prior to the past six seasons, including a stretch of nine consecutive tournament appearances under Cronin. Prior to Cronin, Bob Huggins helped establish the Bearcats as one of the sport’s more consistent programs.
Now the university will begin searching for its next head coach as it attempts to restore that level of prominence.
Early speculation around the opening has focused heavily on Jerrod Calhoun, currently the head coach at Utah State Aggies. Calhoun, a Cincinnati graduate, has compiled a 52–14 record in two seasons with the Aggies and has the program positioned for consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Before arriving at Utah State, Calhoun spent several seasons rebuilding the program at Youngstown State after beginning his head coaching career at Fairmont State.
Other potential candidates expected to draw consideration include John Groce of Akron, Eric Olen of New Mexico, Ryan Pedon from Illinois State, Josh Schertz of Saint Louis, Travis Steele from Miami (OH), as well as UConn assistant Luke Murray.
Whoever ultimately takes over will inherit a program with strong resources and a passionate fan base, but also heightened expectations. Cincinnati has invested heavily in facilities, staffing, and roster resources in recent years, and the next coach will be tasked with delivering the postseason success that has eluded the Bearcats since before Miller’s arrival.