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Miller changes mind, will leave Xavier for Arizona

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Jeff Goodman

Jeff Goodman is a senior college basketball writer for FOXSports.com. Check out his Yardbarker blog. MORE>>
 
Updated Apr 7, 2009 2:25 PM ET
     
 
A day after turning down Arizona's initial offer, Xavier's Sean Miller has opted to head out West.
Miller had second thoughts about his initial decision and, after another conversation with Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood, Miller has agreed in principle to a seven-year deal in excess of $2 million per season. "It's been an exhaustive week, but it's a good day to be a Wildcat," Livengood said. "We believe we've brought in the best young coach in the country, a proven winner who will take this program into the future." "I did my best to follow my heart," Miller said at a press conference on Monday. Miller, 40, has spent the last five seasons as the head coach of the Musketeers and has made four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances — including an Elite Eight last season and a Sweet 16 this past year. Miller earned approximately $800,000 a year at Xavier. "I respect his decision," Xavier athletic director Mike Bobinski said. "That doesn't make me any less disappointed." "If you've got coaches that other people aren't interested in, you've got the wrong coaches," Bobinski added. "The reason our coaches are in demand is we're killin' it." Miller also expressed his admiration for Xavier. "I cannot say enough good things about (Xavier)," he said. "It defines who I am to a large degree. "The legacy will certainly continue. I know this machine will continue to move in a very positive direction." Livengood had reached out to high-profile coaches such as Pittsburgh's Jamie Dixon, Villanova's Jay Wright and Gonzaga's Mark Few — but none was interested in making the move. USC's Tim Floyd took a visit to Tucson last week, but turned down the opportunity. The Wildcats reached the Sweet 16 this season, but will likely lose juniors Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill to the NBA Draft. Arizona's recruiting classes over the past two years have been decimated due to the instability of Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson — who retired prior to the start of the season. Russ Pennell was the second straight interim coach, following Kevin O'Neill in 2007-08. It will be a major rebuilding process for Miller in Tucson over the next several years as he works to upgrade the talent level. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tagged: New Mexico, Arizona

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