Sean Miller has publicly addressed his departure from the University of Arizona after 12 seasons as head coach, releasing this farewell letter through Arizona basketball’s Twitter account:
It was an honor to be the head basketball coach at Arizona.
Over the last twelve years, Tucson, Arizona became our home. It’s where our three sons grew up and attended the University of Arizona. It’s also the place that we made friendships that will last a lifetime.
Coaching in McKale Center on Game Day is one of the things I will miss the most. The pageantry and magic of the crowd and pep band is unlike any area I’ve been in. Wildcat fans are unique. They are passionate, loyal, knowledgeable and fair, and that’s why they are the best fan base in college basketball.
I admire and respect every player that I have coached. Their sacrifice and hard work to truly become part of something bigger than themselves was incredibly special to see. As a coach, I tried to bring out the best in everyone. I hope they know that I did it with a lot of love…and some ‘tough love’ at times. However, my intentions were always pure.
I would like to thank Jim Livengood and Dr. Shelton for hiring me and believing in me along with Greg Byrne, Mike Ketcham, and Dr. Hart for supporting, mentoring and working together with our program to establish success. Finally, I would like to thank Dave Heeke and Dr. Robbins for supporting our program through challenging times.
I am blessed to have a great family beside me. To my three sons — Austin, Cameron and Braden — I’m so proud of each of you. Thank you for ALWAYS being there for me. And to my amazing wife, Amy — I’m not sure where I would be without you. You have been my side every step of the way through it all.
I wish Arizona the very best as they move forward with their new coach. My hope is that they can capture that elusive fifth Final Four and second National Championship.
Bear Down and Go Cats!
— Sean Miller
Miller, 52, finishes his tenure with a 302-109 overall record and a 150-68 mark in Pac-10/12 play, with Arizona going 17-9 overall and 11-9 in the Pac-12 in his final season. He was the third-fastest coach to reach 300 wins at a conference school, and his league win total ranks 10th all-time.
A three-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, Miller led Arizona to at least a share of five regular-season conference titles as well as three Pac-12 Tournament championships. He took the Wildcats to seven NCAA tournaments, reaching the Sweet 16 five times and making the Elite Eight on three occasions.
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