In an exciting development for college basketball, Archie Miller, the former head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, has been named the new head coach of the University of Rhode Island Rams. Miller, who spent four seasons at the helm of Indiana from 2017 to 2021, takes over a Rhode Island program that is looking to return to prominence under his guidance.Miller’s hiring was confirmed today by Rhode Island’s athletic department, which expressed its enthusiasm for the former Indiana coach’s leadership. “We are thrilled to welcome Archie Miller to the University of Rhode Island,” said the school’s athletic director in a press release. “His experience, track record of success, and ability to develop young talent are exactly what we need to take our program to the next level.”
During his time at Indiana, Miller faced significant challenges, but also achieved notable successes. He was credited with bringing in top-tier recruiting classes and transforming the Hoosiers into a team with a solid defensive foundation. However, despite these efforts, the program did not return to its championship-caliber status, and Miller parted ways with the team after the 2021 season.
Now, Miller moves to Rhode Island, where he will look to build the Rams into a contender in the Atlantic 10 Conference and beyond. The Rams have shown potential in recent seasons but have not been able to fully capitalize on their talent. Miller, known for his intense defensive schemes and disciplined approach, is expected to bring a new level of competitiveness and structure to Rhode Island’s basketball program.
What is perhaps just as noteworthy, however, is the message that Miller reportedly sent to Indiana Hoosiers’ head coach Darian DeVries shortly after accepting the Rhode Island job. Sources close to the situation say that Miller reached out to DeVries, who took over as head coach of the Hoosiers following Miller’s departure. In his message, Miller is believed to have expressed his full support for DeVries and conveyed a strong sense of camaraderie, recognizing the tough job DeVries has ahead in managing a storied program like Indiana.
Inside sources suggest that Miller’s message to DeVries wasn’t just a simple “good luck” note; it was a more personal and reflective communication. Miller, having dealt with the pressures and expectations at Indiana, reportedly shared insights into what it takes to succeed in the role, including the nuances of recruiting within the Big Ten and the intense scrutiny that comes with coaching a historic program like the Hoosiers. The message is said to have been both encouraging and advisory, offering DeVries the benefit of Miller’s experience.
While Miller’s tenure at Indiana was marked by ups and downs, with several near-misses in terms of NCAA Tournament appearances, the message suggests a level of respect between the two coaches, despite their different paths. DeVries, who previously served as the head coach at Drake University, took over the Hoosiers in 2021 with a mandate to return the program to national relevance. So far, DeVries has brought fresh energy to the Hoosiers and is making strides in reshaping the program’s identity.
For Miller, the move to Rhode Island offers a fresh start and an opportunity to rebuild a program with fewer of the high-stakes pressures associated with Indiana’s basketball legacy. He is expected to bring his brand of tough, defensive-minded basketball to the Rams, with an emphasis on developing young talent and creating a program culture that values both grit and discipline.
As the 2025-2026 college basketball season approaches, all eyes will be on both the Hoosiers and the Rams. The Hoosiers, under DeVries, will look to continue their upward trajectory in the Big Ten, while Miller’s Rhode Island squad will aim to challenge for a spot in the NCAA Tournament and reestablish the Rams as a force in the Atlantic 10.
The development also adds an interesting layer to any potential future meetings between the two programs, as DeVries’ Hoosiers and Miller’s Rams will now share a connection through their past experiences at Indiana. It remains to be seen how the paths of these two coaches, once linked by Miller’s tenure at the helm, will evolve moving forward.