University of Dayton Vice President and Director of Athletics Tim Wabler has announced that the University has extended head men’s basketball coach Archie Miller’s contract through the 2021-22 basketball season. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"The length and increased levels of compensation in this contract extension demonstrates the University of Dayton’s commitment to Archie Miller, and his commitment to us," Wabler said. "Having our men’s basketball program perform successfully at the national level is a priority for our institution, and only a handful of teams have won as many NCAA games as the Flyers in the last two seasons."
"There is a lot to be excited about– success on the court, facility upgrades, and the student-athletes we have returning along the newcomers coming into the program," Wabler continued. "But there is no question that one of the most exciting things about Dayton men’s basketball is that Archie Miller is our head coach."
Miller is a semifinalist for two national coach of the year awards. The 36-year-old Miller just completed his fourth year at Dayton, leading the Flyers to a 27-9 overall record and to the third round of the 2015 NCAA tournament. His career record is 90-47.
After an Elite Eight run in the 2014 NCAA tournament, Miller had to replace three starters and four seniors from that team. In addition, partway through the year the Flyers had to overcome a depleted roster that featured just six players who were recruited to Dayton and had no active player taller than 6-foot-6.
Dayton is one of six teams to have five NCAA tournament wins in the last two seasons. The others are Arizona, UConn, Kentucky, Michigan State and Wisconsin.
The Flyers’ 53 wins in the last two seasons is the second-best two-year total at UD. Dayton has had wins in consecutive NCAA tournaments for the first time in 48 years, and multiple wins in consecutive tournaments for the first time in school history.
"The University of Dayton is a special place. We have everything we need to be among the best," Miller said. "My family and I love being here and we are very appreciative of all the support that’s come our way since we arrived four years ago. I want to thank President (Dan) Curran and (VP/Director of Athletics) Tim Wabler for their confidence in us. There hasn’t been a day where we haven’t felt that support or belief in what we are working toward."
"I’m excited about our future and look forward to trying to do more special things for our school, our community, and perhaps most importantly, our loyal fans."
The Flyers return four starters – rising senior Dyshawn Pierre, and rising juniors Kyle Davis, Kendall Pollard and Scoochie Smith — and eight letterwinners from this season’s NCAA tournament team. The quartet will serve as UD’s 2015-16 co-captains. Pierre was a Second Team All-Atlantic 10 performer (12.7 ppg./8.1 rpg.) and Pollard was the 2015 A-10 Chris Daniels Most Improved Player (12.7/5.3).
Miller and his coaching staff will add six newcomers, including wing Charles Cooke and center Steve McElvene (who both practiced with the team this season) and four highly-touted freshmen – guard John Crosby and forwards Ryan Mikesell, Sam Miller and Xeryrius Williams.
