In the world of college basketball, success can look different depending on the program. For powerhouses like Duke or Kansas, being in the mix for a national championship is the norm. In contrast, for schools from smaller conferences, just making it to the NCAA Tournament can be a monumental achievement. Then, there are programs like Cincinnati, which fall somewhere in between. While they aren’t usually seen as title contenders, making it to the NCAA Tournament and advancing past the first round is a reasonable goal.

However, the Cincinnati Bearcats have not participated in the NCAA Tournament since 2019. In response, the university decided it was time for a new direction and dismissed head coach Wes Miller after five seasons. Miller, who had previously led UNC Greensboro to the NCAA Tournament twice in his last four seasons there, couldn’t replicate that success at Cincinnati. His standout season was in 2022-23 when the Bearcats posted a 23-13 record and reached the NIT quarterfinals.

As part of his departure, Miller will receive a significant buyout from Cincinnati, totaling $9.9 million, which will be paid in installments until the 2028-29 season. If the university had waited until April 1 to make this decision, the buyout would have been reduced to $4.69 million.

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The timing of Cincinnati’s decision is intriguing, though understandable, given the fast-paced nature of the college basketball hiring market. For instance, Utah State’s assistant coach, Eric Haut, was recently appointed as Tarleton State’s head coach during the Mountain West Conference tournament. Schools are quick to hire coaches from other programs when opportunities arise.

By parting ways with Miller now, Cincinnati allows itself more time to conduct a thorough coaching search, thereby expanding its options. This also gives the program a head start in recruiting and leveraging Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. The university seems to believe that these advantages justify the additional $5.21 million in buyout costs. Additionally, if Miller secures another coaching position, his new salary might offset part of the buyout.

Miller’s time at Cincinnati concludes with a record of 100-74. Under his leadership, the Bearcats never placed higher than fourth in their conference, even as they transitioned from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12 after his second season.

Miller’s buyout isn’t as egregious as the most outrageous football departures. Still, it’s a big financial hit to part ways.