CINCINNATI — Sean Miller of Xavier has accepted the head coaching job at Arizona, ending the Wildcats’ search for a high-profile replacement for Hall of Famer Lute Olson.
The university announced the hiring Monday after a confusing few hours in which it was first reported by several media outlets that Miller had turned down the job.
“I did my best to follow my heart,” Miller said.
Miller led the Musketeers to the Elite Eight last year and received a contract extension through the 2017-18 season. Xavier reached the Sweet 16 again this season.
Miller, who had a 120-47 record in five seasons at Xavier, indicated the chance to win a national title helped lure him to the Pac-10 school.
“I would never leave Xavier unless it was a place where I really felt you could win a national championship,” he said.
The university said terms of the contract would be available today. It is believed the school was offering at least $2 million per year and might have sweetened the proposal to seal the deal.
Memphis promotes Pastner
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis hired Josh Pastner, an assistant under John Calipari, as the Tigers’ new coach.
Pastner, 31, worked one year under Calipari after six years as an assistant at Arizona, where he also played.
Bone replaces Bennett
PULLMAN, Wash. — Portland State coach Ken Bone will replace Tony Bennett at Washington State.
Bone, 50, has been at the Big Sky school for four years, posting a 77-49 record.
Footnotes.
Boston University has hired Patrick Chambers, the associate head coach at Villanova, to be the school’s next coach. He succeeds Dennis Wolff, who was fired last month after 15 seasons with the Terriers.
• Leonard Hamilton is staying at Florida State after agreeing to a new five-year deal.
• Sophomore Cookie Miller and redshirt freshman Alonzo Edwards plan to transfer from Nebraska.
The Associated Press
