Indiana Fires Archie Miller After Very Average Run

It only took four mediocre seasons, but Indiana has finally canned Archie Miller as head basketball coach. This year, the Hoosiers went a disappointing 12-15.

Overall, nine Big Ten teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Indiana wasn't one of them. In fact, the Hoosiers never made the Big Dance with Miller at the helm. He went 67-58 at Indiana overall.

“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," Indiana AD Scott Dolson said in a news release announcing Miller's firing. "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."

Surely, Steve Alford's name will again be mentioned as a potential replacement. There is perhaps no bigger legend in the world of Hoosier Hysteria than Alford, who remains Indiana basketball's favorite son. He hails from basketball hotbed New Castle, Ind., and won a national championship as the star shooting guard in 1987.

Of course, Alford just completed his second season at Nevada, and there is no indication he intends to leave.

Still, where there is a will (and enough money,) there is always a way. And you can be sure there will be a large outcry for Indiana to at least pursue Alford.

"Indiana Basketball has a long, rich history of success that dates back generations," Dolson said. "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."

Dolson added he will not use a search committee to bring in a new coach, but will "consult" with IU trustees.

"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," he said.