Wes Miller named next Charlotte basketball coach

CINCINNATI ATHLETICS

Cincinnati basketball coach Wes Miller is returning to North Carolina as the Charlotte 49ers new coach. Miller previously was head coach at UNC Greensboro.

Charlotte has named Wes Miller the 49ers’ new basketball coach.

After the dismissal of Aaron Fearne on March 17, new 49ers athletics director Kevin White moved quickly to find his successor. Miller, who is tasked with turning around a program that has not made the NCAA tournament since 2005, was fired by Cincinnati on March 13 with three years left on his contract. The contract’s language states Miller is owed $9.9 million if fired before March 31 but later agreed to a separation agreement, ending his five-year tenure with a $3.1 million buyout. 

“I’m incredibly honored to lead the Charlotte Basketball program,” Miller said in a statement. “This is a university with tremendous momentum, a passionate city behind it, and deep basketball roots in the state of North Carolina. From the moment I began talking with Kevin White and Chancellor [Sharon] Gaber, it was clear there is a shared vision to build a program defined by toughness, passion, and relentless energy. We’re going to pour everything we have into developing our student-athletes, competing at the highest level, and building a team that our campus and this city are proud to rally around. The foundation is here for something special, and I can’t wait to get to work because Charlotte’s stock is rising.”

Miller, who previously coached at UNC Greensboro, holds an overall record of 285-209 (185-135 at UNCG). He was fired after a 18-15 season and seventh in the Big 12. His final conference game with the Bearcats was a loss to Central Florida in the conference tournament. 

Miller has seven 20-plus win seasons in his career and four losing seasons — all of which came between the 2012-13 and 2015-16 seasons. 
In his time at UNCG, Miller made the NCAA tournament twice. He never made the tournament with the Bearcats but did reach the NIT quarterfinals twice.

“Wes Miller is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the game and strong ties to basketball in our state,” White said. “Throughout this process, what stood out most was his passion, competitive energy, and clear vision for building a championship culture here at Charlotte. He embodies the toughness, resilience, and commitment to the total student-athlete experience that we value, and he understands the opportunity we have to build something special for our university and our city. Charlotte Basketball has a proud history and tremendous potential, and with Wes leading our program, I am confident we will return to consistently competing for conference championships and postseason appearances.”

A source confirmed to The Post that Red Ventures CEO Ric Elias was involved in the search process. Elias has been around the 49ers’ athletic department after speaking on campus last year and building connections within the athletic department and beyond. 

Miller played at North Carolina from 2003-07 with a national championship in 2005. He was a potential candidate for the Tar Heels opening after Roy Williams retired in 2021. The job went to Hubert Davis. 

“I am thrilled by Kevin White’s selection of Wes Miller to lead men’s basketball and believe he brings the energy and focus needed to elevate our program," Gaber said. “Wes understands North Carolina, he understands this region’s talent, and he brings a deep connection to the game that will resonate with our student-athletes and our community. His authenticity and commitment to building something meaningful make him the right coach to lead the Charlotte 49ers men's basketball forward.”

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