Cincinnati Fires Head Coach Wes Miller After Five Seasons, Signaling Major Reset for Bearcats Basketball

College Sports · By Marcus Chen · March 13, 2026
Cincinnati Fires Head Coach Wes Miller After Five Seasons, Signaling Major Reset for Bearcats Basketball

Cincinnati has dismissed head men's basketball coach Wes Miller after five seasons at the helm, sources told ESPN. The decision marks a significant turning point for the Bearcats program as they seek to reposition themselves in the competitive landscape of college basketball.

Miller, who joined the Bearcats before the 2021-22 season, was unable to return the program to its former national prominence during his tenure. While Cincinnati saw flashes of competitiveness and occasional marquee victories, sustained success and NCAA tournament runs proved elusive under his leadership. The university's decision to part ways with Miller after five seasons reflects a desire to chart a new course as the program looks to reestablish itself as a consistent force in Division I men's basketball.

  • Wes Miller was hired as Cincinnati's head coach prior to the 2021-22 season, succeeding John Brannen.
  • The Bearcats struggled to regain their status as a perennial tournament team during Miller's five-year run.
  • Expectations were high for the program following its move to a major basketball conference, but postseason success did not materialize.

The Bearcats' leadership is expected to begin a national search for Miller's replacement immediately. With a passionate fan base and a storied program history that includes multiple NCAA tournament runs and Final Four appearances, Cincinnati remains an attractive destination for coaching candidates seeking to restore the program's winning tradition.

As the Bearcats move forward, attention will turn to potential candidates and the direction of the program in recruiting and style of play. The new head coach will inherit a roster in transition and the challenge of reviving a program eager to return to national relevance.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN College Sports