Dayton, coach Archie Miller agree to contract extension

By foxsports
Published

A contract extension will keep Dayton coach Archie Miller off the market for at least another year.

Despite being down to six available scholarship players, Dayton won two more NCAA tournament games this season after advancing to the Elite Eight last year. Miller, 36, is a hot commodity, and that's why Dayton moved quickly to up his pay and extend him through 2022 just five days after the Flyers' season ended.

The extension doesn't mean the calls for Miller from outside will stop coming, but it provides stability to a program that could just be taking off.

"The length and increased levels of compensation in this contract extension demonstrates the University of Dayton'­s commitment to Archie Miller, and his commitment to us," Dayton athletic director Tim Wabler said in a statement. "Having our men's basketball program perform successfully at the national level is a priority for our institution, and only a handful of teams have won as many NCAA games as the Flyers in the last two seasons.

"There is a lot to be excited about -- success on the court, facility upgrades, and the student-athletes we have returning along with the newcomers coming into the program. But there is no question that one of the most exciting things about Dayton men's basketball is that Archie Miller is our head coach."

Miller is a semifinalist for two national coach of the year awards. His four-year record at Dayton is 90-47, and the Flyers finished second in the Atlantic 10 this season.

Dayton has had wins in consecutive NCAA tournaments for the first time in 48 years, and multiple wins in consecutive tournaments for the first time in school history. Four starters are set to return for 2015-16.

"The University of Dayton is a special place," Miller said in the university statement. "We have everything we need to be among the best. My family and I love being here and we are very appreciative of all the support that's come our way since we arrived four years ago.

"I'm excited about our future and look forward to trying to do more special things for our school, our community, and perhaps most importantly, our loyal fans."