News updates Miller’s Payday Doubles Terry’s as Texas Aims for Basketball Rebound…

The University of Texas is making a major financial commitment to its men’s basketball program with the hiring of new head coach Mike Miller. According to contract details released this week, Miller will receive roughly twice as much annually as former head coach Rodney Terry, signaling a bold new direction for Longhorns basketball.

Rodney Terry, who was dismissed in March, had three years remaining on his five-year deal worth nearly $3 million per year. That contract placed him in the mid-range of Big 12 coaching salaries, but questions over the program’s inconsistent performance and recruiting setbacks led to his departure. In contrast, Miller’s incoming deal is reportedly worth close to $6 million per season, doubling Terry’s annual earnings and positioning Miller among the top-paid coaches in the country.

The Longhorns’ decision to invest heavily in Miller is a clear statement of intent. A former NBA assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies and a well-known recruiter due to his time at the collegiate level and connections to grassroots basketball circuits, Miller brings both professional pedigree and a fresh outlook. Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte called the hire “a foundational step” toward reestablishing Texas as a national powerhouse.

“Coach Miller represents everything we’re looking for—elite recruiting, proven player development, and the energy to lead us into the future,” Del Conte said in a press release. “We’re making this investment because we believe in where he can take this program.”

The size of Miller’s deal also reflects a growing trend in college athletics where schools are increasingly willing to invest big to attract high-profile coaching talent. With the ongoing evolution of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, conference realignment, and player transfers, having a coach who can navigate this modern landscape is more crucial than ever. For Texas, the financial gamble is based on the belief that Miller can deliver not just winning seasons, but deep NCAA Tournament runs.

While the hiring has drawn praise from some quarters, others question whether the massive increase in salary is justified given Miller’s limited head coaching experience. Though widely respected for his recruiting and NBA ties, Miller has yet to prove himself as the primary decision-maker on a major college stage.

Still, expectations are clear. Texas is not paying Miller to simply maintain the status quo. The Longhorns are seeking a revival that puts them in serious contention for Big 12 titles and Final Four appearances—something that eluded the program under Terry.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Austin to see whether this bold investment pays off. For now, one thing is certain: Texas has doubled down on its basketball future—with Mike Miller holding the cards….