Reports: Xavier’s Sean Miller Emerges as Top Candidate for Texas Job

In the world of college basketball, few coaching decisions can create as much excitement and speculation as the hiring of a new head coach at a powerhouse program. This is especially true when that program is one with high expectations and a tradition of success, such as the University of Texas. Recently, reports have emerged suggesting that Sean Miller, the head coach of Xavier University, has emerged as the top candidate for the Texas Longhorns basketball job, a position that has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the program and the potential for immediate success.

Miller, who has seen significant success at both Xavier and the University of Arizona, is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in college basketball. His reputation for building competitive, defensive-minded teams has earned him respect across the country. With the Texas job opening up, many believe that Miller could be the perfect fit to continue the program’s growth and elevate it to national championship contention.

The Texas Job: A Powerhouse Program with High Expectations

Texas has long been one of the most respected programs in college basketball. Over the years, the Longhorns have consistently been in the mix for NCAA Tournament berths and have produced numerous NBA players, including current stars like LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, and Myles Turner. However, despite the talent pool and high recruiting rankings, the program has not won a national championship in men’s basketball since 2003 and has struggled to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in recent seasons.

The expectations for Texas basketball have always been high, and the university has made substantial investments into its basketball program, including a state-of-the-art practice facility and an upgraded arena, the Moody Center. With the right head coach, the Longhorns believe they have the resources and fan support to become a perennial contender for the NCAA title.

Texas made the decision to part ways with head coach Chris Beard following a controversial incident that led to his suspension and eventual dismissal in 2025. While Beard’s tenure in Austin was marred by controversy, he had a successful first season with the Longhorns, leading them to the NCAA Tournament and establishing a solid foundation. The hiring of a new head coach, one who can navigate the pressures of the Texas job while building on the program’s successes, is critical for the school’s future.

Sean Miller’s Journey: A Proven Winner

Sean Miller’s name has been consistently linked to top-tier coaching positions in college basketball, and for good reason. He has built a career marked by success at both Xavier and Arizona, showcasing his ability to recruit top talent and develop competitive teams that regularly contend for NCAA Tournament berths.

Miller’s coaching journey began in 2004 when he took over as head coach at Xavier University, where he quickly turned the Musketeers into a perennial power in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Under his leadership, Xavier made the NCAA Tournament in all but two seasons, with multiple Sweet 16 appearances. He was known for his tough, defensive-minded teams that played hard-nosed basketball and were difficult to beat in close games. Miller’s ability to develop players, particularly on the defensive end, has made him one of the most respected coaches in the game.

In 2009, Miller took the opportunity to move to a higher-profile job when he accepted the head coaching position at the University of Arizona. Arizona, with its storied history of success in the Pac-12 and on the national stage, offered Miller a chance to build a program that could consistently compete for championships.

At Arizona, Miller continued to build on his reputation as one of the top coaches in college basketball. His teams regularly reached the NCAA Tournament, including multiple trips to the Elite Eight, and his recruiting efforts resulted in the arrival of top-tier talent, including future NBA players like DeAndre Ayton and Lauri Markkanen. Despite a few setbacks and controversies during his tenure, Miller’s ability to keep Arizona competitive year in and year out is undeniable. Under his leadership, Arizona was a constant fixture in the NCAA Tournament, which kept the Wildcats among the nation’s elite programs.

Miller’s experience in both the Atlantic 10 and Pac-12, along with his ability to recruit and develop talent, makes him a strong candidate for the Texas job. Texas, like Arizona, is a program that expects to compete for championships, and Miller’s track record of winning in high-pressure environments positions him well to take on that challenge.

Why Sean Miller Makes Sense for Texas

There are several reasons why Sean Miller is an ideal candidate for the Texas Longhorns. First and foremost, he brings a wealth of experience and a proven ability to build successful programs. The Longhorns need a coach who can quickly turn the team around and bring them back to national relevance, and Miller has shown that he can do just that.

Miller’s coaching style is a great fit for Texas. His teams are known for their tough, hard-nosed defense, something that has been a hallmark of Texas basketball over the years. In addition, Miller is known for his ability to develop players, especially in terms of skill development and basketball IQ. This would be invaluable for a Texas team that has experienced ups and downs in recent years in terms of player development.

Another critical factor in Miller’s favor is his ability to recruit. Texas has always had access to some of the top talent in the country, particularly from within the state of Texas, which produces some of the best high school basketball players. Miller has a strong recruiting network, and his ability to attract top-tier talent would allow Texas to remain competitive in the loaded Big 12 Conference and nationally. Miller’s proven success in recruiting elite players would be a key asset for Texas as it looks to reload and reassert itself as one of the top programs in the nation.

Miller’s familiarity with the pressures of a high-profile job is also important. Arizona, like Texas, is one of the premier programs in college basketball, and Miller has navigated those expectations with success. He knows what it takes to thrive under the spotlight and can handle the challenges that come with leading a high-profile program like Texas.

Additionally, Miller’s work ethic and attention to detail align well with Texas’ commitment to excellence. The Longhorns have invested heavily in their basketball program, and they expect their head coach to do the same. Miller’s history of building successful programs from the ground up makes him well-suited to take on that challenge.

The Competition: Who Else Could Texas Consider?

While Sean Miller has emerged as the top candidate for the Texas job, he is not without competition. Other names that have been floated as potential candidates for the position include a number of accomplished coaches from across the country.

One of the names that has been mentioned is John Calipari, the head coach of Kentucky. While it is uncertain whether Calipari would leave Kentucky, his long track record of success, including national championships, makes him a highly desirable candidate for any top-tier program. Another potential candidate is Chris Holtmann, the head coach of Ohio State, who has built a consistently competitive program in the Big Ten and has experience coaching in high-pressure situations.

In addition, Texas could look at coaches with strong ties to the state of Texas, such as Scott Drew of Baylor or Chris Beard, who had been with the Longhorns before his firing. These candidates could bring different qualities to the table, and Texas would likely conduct a thorough search to determine the best fit for the program.

However, Sean Miller’s experience, recruiting ability, and proven success in both conference play and the NCAA Tournament make him a strong contender for the job. His ability to develop players and build a culture of winning would make him an excellent choice for Texas.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Texas?

With the reports surfacing that Sean Miller is the top candidate for the Texas basketball job, the Longhorns are entering a critical period in the program’s history. The hiring of a new coach will have a significant impact on the future of Texas basketball, and it’s clear that the school is aiming to make a strong statement with its next hire.

If Miller does take the job, he will inherit a program that has great potential but is also in need of leadership and direction. The Longhorns are coming off a tumultuous period following the dismissal of Chris Beard, and they will need a coach who can restore stability while also elevating the program to new heights.

Under Miller’s leadership, Texas would likely see an emphasis on defense, discipline, and player development—qualities that could help the Longhorns return to national prominence. With the resources available at Texas, there is no reason why the Longhorns can’t become a championship contender once again, and Miller could be the man to make that happen.

The next few weeks will be crucial for Texas as they finalize their search for a head coach. The future of the Longhorns basketball program is in the balance, and with the right hire, Texas could be poised to reclaim its place among the elite programs in college basketball.