Sean Miller gives statement following firing as coach at Arizona

Following the stunning decision that Arizona parted ways with him, Sean Miller delivered a passionate farewell to Wildcats fans everywhere. 

In recent years, nothing but controversy followed the Arizona men’s basketball program and veteran head coach Sean Miller. With him being in the middle of an NCAA investigation, it felt like Miller was on his way out.

Well, Arizona kept him around, but ended up parting ways with him following the 2020-21 season. On Thursday, through the school, Miller released a passionate statement saying goodbye to the Wildcats and all of their fans.

Sean Miller sent a passionate goodbye to Arizona after the school fired him

“Coaching in McKale Center on Game Day is one of the things I will miss the most,” Miller said as part of his goodbye. “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.”

Miller arrived to Arizona in 2009 and spent 12 seasons with the team. He powered the Wildcats to seven trips to the NCAA Tournament, highlighted by three Elite Eight appearances.

However, the program was riddled with scandals with Miller in charge, which had countless alumni calling for him to be fired. In the end, those same folks got their way, as Miller is out of Tucson and no longer running the show for Arizona.