Sean Miller is a veteran men’s college basketball coach, now leading the program at the University of Texas. Before his move, he spent eight impactful years as head coach at Xavier University and previously guided the University of Arizona to national prominence.
Known for his strategic excellence and winning mentality, Miller announced his move to Texas on March 23. Over the years, he has built a decorated résumé, including three Pac-12 Tournament titles and multiple Coach of the Year honors.
With five league Coach of the Year awards, Miller can rightly be referred to as a successful coach at both Arizona and Xavier. Following his impressive coaching run, Jon Rothstein interviewed him to discuss the reasons behind his transfer.
How Does Sean Miller Feel About Xavier, His Previous Team?
Miller stated that leaving one place for another never sits well with people from the former place, and that has been true in his case. Having been at Xavier for 11 years—eight of them as head coach—there are many things he won’t forget, one of which is coaching in the Big East Tournament.
“It’s hard to explain the people there (referring to the Big East Tournament),” Miller said. “I coached in the Big East and played in it, and that’s something I’ll cherish forever, as I will my time at Xavier.”
Why did Sean Miller leave Xavier for Texas? pic.twitter.com/0MBLAk3Ow2
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 23, 2025
These statements are significant because Miller had mentioned years earlier that his love for Xavier University partly stemmed from the presence of a major conference like the Big East Tournament.
After expressing his love for Xavier, he explained his reasons for leaving the university.
“There is only one Texas, and when I had this opportunity—like everybody in their profession—when you’re given a great opportunity with a great challenge and those two things meet, sometimes it’s hard to look at it in any other way than: ‘This is something that I have to do, I want to do,’ and you never look back. So I think that’s part of it,” Miller said.
Miller’s case is simply one of seizing an opportunity for growth, exposure, and new experiences.
“I’ll also tell you that the world of sports is not the same place as it was a few years ago,” Miller said. “Some of the advantages and disadvantages that you had in a certain conference then may no longer apply. In fact, what used to be an advantage may now be a disadvantage.”
“The good thing about the University of Texas, however, is that whatever the future brings, they’ll be at the table—and that is very comforting for any coach on the University of Texas campus.”
In essence, Miller’s point is clear: college sports are evolving every day. The University of Texas continues to grow and adapt to those changes. He wants to be part of a team and program that embraces progress and avoids stagnation.
What Have Been People’s Reactions to Miller’s Change?
While some fans believe that Miller may return to Xavier in the future—just as he did after leaving in 2009 and coming back in 2022—others think he moved for money, prefers an easier route, and lacks loyalty.
Others, however, support his decision. They argue that Texas is a better program than Xavier and that the move is a step forward in his career.
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Overall, there is no doubt that many people feel disappointed or even betrayed by his decision.
All anyone can do is wait and see how his move to Texas pans out and what his absence means for Xavier.
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