Curt Miller

{{Short description|American basketball executive and coach (born 1968)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Curt Miller

| image = Curt Miller in 2019 (cropped).jpg

| image_size =

| alt =

| caption = Miller in 2019

| team = Dallas Wings

| position = Executive Vice President and General Manager

| league = WNBA

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|10|5}}{{cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/careercoach |title=NCAA® Career Statistics |publisher=Web1.ncaa.org |date=1999-03-20 |accessdate=2015-11-19}}

| birth_place = Girard, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| high_school =

| college = Baldwin Wallace

| coach_start = 1991

| coach_end = 2024

| cyears1 = 1991–1994

| cteam1 = Cleveland State (assistant)

| cyears2 = 1994–1998

| cteam2 = Syracuse (assistant)

| cyears3 = 1998–2001

| cteam3 = Colorado State (assistant)

| cyears4 = 2001–2012

| cteam4 = Bowling Green

| cyears5 = 2012–2014

| cteam5 = Indiana

| cyears6 = 2015

| cteam6 = Los Angeles Sparks (assistant)

| cyears7 = 2016–2022

| cteam7 = Connecticut Sun

| cyears8 = 2023–2024

| cteam8 = Los Angeles Sparks

| highlights = * WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year (2017)

2× WNBA Coach of the Year (2017, 2021)
5× MAC regular season championships (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012)
5× MAC tournament championships (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012)

}}

Curt Miller (born October 6, 1968) is an American basketball executive and coach who is the Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the Dallas Wings of the WNBA. He most recently served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks from 2023–2024. Other previous head coaching positions include the Connecticut Sun (2016–2022), Bowling Green State University (2001–2012), and Indiana University (2012–2014). Miller also served as an assistant coach to Brian Agler with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2015.

Assistant coaching career

Miller served as an assistant coach at Colorado State, helping the school to an 81–20 (.802) overall record during his three seasons there. He also served as an assistant at Cleveland State and Syracuse.

On March 31, 2015, the Los Angeles Sparks hired Miller as an assistant coach.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wnba.com/sparks/curt_miller__announcement_2015_03_31.html |title=Sparks Name Curt Miller Assistant Coach |access-date=2015-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504204122/http://www.wnba.com/sparks/curt_miller__announcement_2015_03_31.html |archive-date=2015-05-04 |url-status=dead }}

Head coaching career

=Bowling Green=

During his tenure at Bowling Green he compiled a 258–92 record including 135–41 in the Mid-American Conference. He was named MAC Coach of the Year 6 times, and won the conference regular season title 8 straight times between 2005–2012. His best season came in 2006 when he led the Falcons to a 31–4 mark, including a sweet sixteen appearance in the NCAA tournament.

=Indiana University=

When Miller was negotiating a contract extension with Bowling Green in 2005, he included a "dream clause" in which Miller could list a few of his personal destination jobs.{{cite news|last=Hutchens|first=Terry|title=Indiana women's basketball: New coach Curt Miller has winning history|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20120329/SPORTS0601/203290344/Indiana-women-s-basketball-New-coach-Curt-Miller-has-winning-history|accessdate=9 April 2012|newspaper=Indianapolis Star|date=29 March 2012}} The Indiana Hoosiers were on that list and, when an opening for head women's basketball coach occurred at the school in 2012, he applied for and got the position. Miller signed a six-year deal worth $275,000 a year. Miller resigned on July 25, 2014 citing health and family reasons.{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2014/07/25/indiana-womens-coach-curt-miller-suddenly-resigns/13152595/ |title=Indiana women's coach Curt Miller suddenly resigns |publisher=Courier-journal.com |date=2014-07-25 |accessdate=2015-11-19}}

=Connecticut Sun=

After one season as an assistant with the Los Angeles Sparks, Miller returned to the head coaching ranks. He was announced as the new head coach of the Connecticut Sun on December 17, 2015.{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball/connecticut-sun/hc-wnba-sun-new-coach-curt-miller-1218-20151217-story.html |title=It's Official: Connecticut Sun Name Curt Miller Head Coach |publisher=Hartford Courant |date=2015-12-17 |accessdate=2015-12-17 |archive-date=2015-12-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218172526/http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball/connecticut-sun/hc-wnba-sun-new-coach-curt-miller-1218-20151217-story.html |url-status=dead }} On September 2, 2016, Sun announced that Miller would also assume the role of general manager.{{Cite web |title=Curt Miller Assumes Role As Sun GM – Connecticut Sun |url=https://sun.wnba.com/news/curt-miller-assumes-role-sun-gm/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=sun.wnba.com}} In his second season with the Sun in 2017 he was named WNBA Coach of the Year{{cite web|url=https://pr.nba.com/curt-miller-2017-wnba-coach-of-the-year/|title=Sun's Curt Miller named 2017 WNBA Coach of the Year |date=10 September 2017 |publisher=NBA |accessdate=2022-06-12}} and the inaugural WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year.{{Cite web |title=Connecticut's Curt Miller Named Inaugural WNBA Basketball Executive Of The Year - WNBA |url=https://www.wnba.com/news/connecticuts-curt-miller-named-inaugural-wnba-basketball-executive-year |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.wnba.com}} His 2019 team made the WNBA finals but lost to the Washington Mystics in five games.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401165811|title=Mystics take title in Game 5 behind Elena Delle Donne, Finals MVP Emma Meesseman|website=ESPN|publisher=The Associated Press|date=October 10, 2019|access-date=June 12, 2022}} The Sun were knocked out in the Semifinals in 2020. His 2021 team finished the regular season in first place with a 26–6 record,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/standings/_/season/2021 |title=WNBA Standings 2021 |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=2022-06-12}} but were upset in the Semifinals by the Chicago Sky.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401370434 |title=Vandersloot leads Sky to 101-95 double OT win over Sun |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=2022-06-12}} He was named WNBA Coach of the Year for the second time in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.wnba.com/news/connecticut-sun-head-coach-curt-miller-named-2021-coach-of-the-year/ |title=Connecticut Sun Head Coach Curt Miller Named 2021 Coach Of the Year |publisher=WNBA |accessdate=2022-06-12}} His 2022 team made the WNBA finals once again, but lost to the Las Vegas Aces in four games.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-18 |title=Aces capture 1st title, eye more: 'Sky's the limit' |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34619557/las-vegas-aces-win-their-first-wnba-title-beating-connecticut-sun-game-4-finals-chelsea-gray-named-mvp |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

While working with the Sun, Miller was "the first openly gay, male coach in college or professional basketball".{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Brendan |title=Two Decades Later, Coach Curt Miller Still Stands Alone |url=https://ctexaminer.com/2021/08/17/two-decades-later-coach-curt-miller-still-stands-alone/ |access-date=September 27, 2022 |work=CT Examiner |date=August 17, 2021}}

=Los Angeles Sparks=

On October 17, 2022, Miller was announced as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-21 |title=After Finals run, Miller leaves Sun to lead Sparks |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/34846963/sparks-hiring-sun-curt-miller-coach-source-confirms |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

On September 24, 2024, Miller parted ways with the Los Angeles Sparks after an 8–32 record on the 2024 season and a 25–55 record over two seasons, with the team missing the WNBA Playoffs both years.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-24 |title=Miller out as Sparks head coach after two seasons |url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/41424838/curt-miller-head-coach-wnba-sparks-2-seasons |access-date=2024-09-24 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}

Executive career

On November 8, 2024, the Dallas Wings had hired Miller to be their Executive Vice-President and General Manager.{{cite web|title=Dallas Wings Name Curt Miller Executive Vice President and General Manager|url=https://wings.wnba.com/news/dallas-wings-name-curt-miller-executive-vice-president-and-general-manager|website=wings.wnba.com|date=November 8, 2024}}

Head Coaching Record

=NCAA=

{{CBB Yearly Record Start | type=coach | conference= |postseason=}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead

|name=Bowling Green Falcons

|startyear=2001

|conference=Mid-American Conference

|endyear=2012

|}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 2001–02

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 9–19

| conference = 6–10

| confstanding = 4th (East)

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 2002–03

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 12–16

| conference = 5–11

| confstanding = T-6th (West)

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 2003–04

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 21–10

| conference = 11–5

| confstanding = T-2nd (West)

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = confboth

| season = 2004–05

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 23–8

| conference = 11–5

| confstanding = 1st (West)

| postseason = NCAA 1st Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = confboth

| season = 2005–06

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 28–3

| conference = 16–0

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = NCAA 1st Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = confboth

| season = 2006–07

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 31–4

| conference = 16–1

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = NCAA Sweet Sixteen

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| season = 2007–08

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 26–8

| conference = 13–3

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = WNIT Second Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| season = 2008–09

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 29–5

| conference = 15–1

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = WNIT Third Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = confboth

| season = 2009–10

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 27–7

| conference = 14–2

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = NCAA 1st Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = confboth

| season = 2010–11

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 28–5

| conference = 13–3

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = NCAA 1st Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship = division

| season = 2011–12

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 24–7

| conference = 14–2

| confstanding = 1st (East)

| postseason = WNIT First Round

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Bowling Green

| overall = 258–92 ({{Winning percentage|258|92}})

| confrecord = 135–41 ({{Winning percentage|135|41}})

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead

|name=Indiana Hoosiers

|startyear=2012

|conference=Big Ten Conference

|endyear= 2014

|}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 2012–13

| name = Indiana

| overall = 11–19

| conference = 2–14

| confstanding = 12th

| postseason =

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Entry

| championship =

| season = 2013–14

| name = Indiana

| overall = 21–13

| conference = 5–11

| confstanding = T-8th

| postseason = WNIT Quarterfinals

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal

| name = Indiana

| overall = 32–32 ({{Winning percentage|32|32}})

| confrecord = 7–25 ({{Winning percentage|7|25}})

}}

{{CBB Yearly Record End

|overall = 290–124 ({{Winning percentage|290|124}})

}}

=WNBA=

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" |2016

|34||14||20||{{Winning percentage|14|20}}|| align="center" | 5th in East ||—||—||—||—

| align="center" |Missed Playoffs

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" |2017

|34||21||13||{{Winning percentage|21|13}}|| align="center" | 2nd in East ||1||0||1||{{Winning percentage|0|1}}

| align="center" |Lost in Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" |2018

|34||21||13||{{Winning percentage|21|13}}|| align="center" | 3rd in East ||1||0||1||{{Winning percentage|0|1}}

| align="center" |Lost in Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" |2019

|34||23||11||{{Winning percentage|23|11}}|| align="center" | 2nd in East ||8||5||3||{{Winning percentage|5|3}}

| align="center" |Lost in WNBA Finals

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" | 2020

| 22 || 10 || 12 || {{Winning percentage|10|12}} || align="center" | 2nd in East || 7 || 4 || 3 || {{Winning percentage|4|3}}

| align="center" |Lost in Semifinals

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" | 2021

| 32 || 26 || 6 || {{Winning percentage|26|6}} || align="center" | 1st in East || 4 || 1 || 3 || {{Winning percentage|1|3}}

| align="center" |Lost in Semifinals

| align="left" | Connecticut Sun

| align="left" | 2022

| 36 || 25 || 11 || {{Winning percentage|25|11}} || align="center" | 2nd in East || 12 || 6 || 6 || {{Winning percentage|6|6}}

| align="center" |Lost in WNBA Finals

| align="left" | Los Angeles Sparks

| align="left" |2023

|40||17||23||{{Winning percentage|17|23}}|| align="center" | 4th in West ||—||—||—||—

| align="center" |Missed Playoffs

| align="left" | Los Angeles Sparks

| align="left" |2024

|40||8||32||{{Winning percentage|8|32}}|| align="center" | 5th in West ||—||—||—||—

| align="center" |Missed Playoffs

|-class="sortbottom"

| align="left" |Career

| || 302 || 161 || 141 || {{Winning percentage|161|141}} || || 33 || 16 || 17 ||{{Winning percentage|16|17}}

References

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite web|last1=|first1=|title=Women's Basketball Coaches Career|date=|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/stats/StatsSrv/careercoach|website=NCAA|accessdate=22 Sep 2015}}

}}