WSU Basketball: 5 NCAA Tournament and NIT Coaches to Keep an Eye On as Bill Moos Searches for Winners
By Josh Davis
Jan 22, 2014; Dayton, OH, USA; Dayton Flyers head coach Archie Miller shouts out instructions to his team during the first half of the game against the VCU Rams at University of Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan “Archie” Miller – Dayton Flyers
Archie, the brother of Arizona’s head man Sean Miller, would be a solid hire for the Washington State program. The pedigree is obviously there to excite recruits and he’s got the same lovable demeanor on the court as his brother (which was something that Tony Bennett brought from time to time that Cougar fans absolutely loved). Speaking of which, the brother against brother thing would bring a terrific media storm to the Palouse as well. In the past, Sean (who is 10 years the senior of Archie) has been quoted as saying “He’s (Archie) actually more intense than me, if you can believe that”, so can you imagine that awesome scene with Archie on one side of the court and Sean on the other?
Back to what’s importantly, he knows the Pac-12 Conference layout after assisting at both Arizona State and Arizona for a combined three seasons. With NC State and Ohio State also on his resume while as an assistant, he just looks primed to be in the next small group of guys that moves up to head coach with the big boys. Remember his bro was at Dayton’s rival, Xavier, before coming to the Pac-12 and his success already has been measurable.
Under Archie’s guidance the Flyers have gone 20-13 (NIT 1st round exit) and 17-13 with a trip to the NCAA Tournament as an 11-seed facing Ohio State. If they happen to upset the Bucks in their opening round, they’d draw Syracuse, so Moos could be in negotiations with him early next week. One things for certain, Archie will be meeting with somebody in a bigger conference next week if the Flyers are eliminated. The only downside? WSU would probably be just another stepping stone for Archie (who currently makes around $500,000 at UD), unless Moos were to shell out an extra half-million or so once Ken Bone’s salary is up. Would be worth it though.