By: Joshua Anderson
In the world of college basketball, where scandal can seemingly disappear with the next recruiting cycle, two once-disgraced coaches have fully re-emerged in the sport’s spotlight. Sean Miller is heading to Texas, while Will Wade will take over at NC State—both landing major jobs despite past NCAA infractions that once threatened to end their careers.
Miller, once the face of Arizona basketball, saw his career shatter after an FBI investigation into corruption in college basketball implicated his program. The infamous 2017 scandal, which rocked the sports world, included wiretaps suggesting Miller had discussed payments to secure star recruit Deandre Ayton. While he denied the accusations and was never formally charged, the NCAA hit Arizona with sanctions, including a self-imposed postseason ban. Miller was ousted in 2021, leaving his future uncertain.
Wade, meanwhile, built LSU into an SEC contender but saw his tenure end in disgrace after being caught on an FBI wiretap in 2017 discussing a “strong-ass offer” for a recruit. His refusal to cooperate with NCAA investigators led to his dismissal in 2022, and he later received a two-year penalty.
In the ever-forgiving world of college athletics, time and success have healed all wounds. Miller rehabilitated his image with a successful return to Xavier, leading the Musketeers back to the NCAA Tournament and proving he could still win at a high level. That was enough for Texas, which saw him as the ideal replacement after another coaching shakeup in Austin.
Wade, on the other hand, spent last season at McNeese State, using the program as a stepping stone back to the big stage. Despite his NCAA baggage, he quickly rebuilt McNeese into a force, reminding athletic directors that winning often outweighs controversy. NC State, eager to reclaim relevance in the ACC, decided Wade’s track record was too good to ignore.
Their rapid ascent mirrors that of Rick Pitino, who once seemed untouchable after his own NCAA-related downfall at Louisville. Following a stint coaching overseas and a stop at Iona, Pitino landed at St. John’s, where he’s quickly returned to prominence. His revival serves as a blueprint for Miller and Wade: in college basketball, past transgressions rarely hold back great coaches forever.
Ultimately, Miller and Wade’s returns to power signal what many already knew—winning trumps everything. In an era where NIL deals and transfer portal chaos dominate the sport, the sins of the past have become little more than footnotes. As long as they win in their new roles, their scandals will be nothing more than a distant memory.
