Candidates to replace Charlotte 49ers coach Aaron Fearne The Charlotte 49ers have initiated a new coaching search for their men’s basketball program following the departure of head coach Aaron Fearne. After three seasons and a 47-51 record, Fearne was let go by athletic director Kevin White, who opted to buy out his $1.5 million contract, which originally extended through 2029. This decision comes amid a 21-year NCAA Tournament drought for the program, despite a recent strong showing in the American Conference tournament. White, who recently assumed his role, faces the challenge of hiring a new head coach to end the team’s long absence from March Madness. He emphasized the importance of the men’s basketball program to the athletic department’s overall success, stating it must consistently compete for conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths. Among the potential candidates under consideration is Emanuel Dildy, the current assistant head coach for Duke. Dildy, who joined the Blue Devils in 2023, has worked with Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel and is mentoring NBA Lottery hopeful Isiah Evans. Despite lacking head coaching experience, Dildy’s background includes roles at Oklahoma, Northwestern, and other programs. His promotion to associate head coach under Jon Scheyer was praised for his recruiting skills and leadership. Another name in the mix is Earl Grant, recently fired by Boston College after a 72-92 record over five seasons. Grant previously revitalized the College of Charleston program, leading it to NCAA Tournament appearances and a strong presence in the Colonial Athletic Association. His ties to the Carolinas, including a native connection to South Carolina, and his history with Brad Brownell at Clemson make him a compelling candidate.#earl_grant #aaron_fearne #charlotte_49ers #kevin_white #emanuel_dildy
Charlotte Hires Wes Miller as Men's Basketball Coach Charlotte has officially hired Wes Miller as its new men’s basketball coach, the university announced Monday. According to sources, Miller has agreed to a five-year contract, marking a significant move for the program. The decision comes after Miller was recently dismissed as head coach at Cincinnati, where he led the Bearcats for five seasons. Miller’s coaching career spans 15 years, including stints at Cincinnati and UNC Greensboro. During his tenure at Cincinnati, he guided the team to two NCAA tournament appearances but failed to secure a bid in his final five seasons. Despite winning 20 games in two consecutive seasons (2022-23 and 2023-24), the Bearcats finished each of the past four years on the bubble, with Miller ending the 2024 season with a 9-9 record in Big 12 play. Before joining Cincinnati in 2021, Miller spent 10 seasons at UNC Greensboro, compiling an overall record of 185-135. His final five years at the school were particularly successful, with a 125-43 mark, three Southern Conference regular-season titles, and two NCAA tournament appearances. These achievements solidified his reputation as one of the top mid-major coaches in the country. Athletic director Kevin White praised Miller’s hiring, emphasizing his leadership, basketball acumen, and commitment to building a championship culture at Charlotte. “Throughout this process, what stood out most was his passion, competitive energy, and clear vision for building a championship culture here at Charlotte,” White stated. Miller, who is the son of Kenneth D. Miller—whose name is associated with Wake Forest’s athletic facilities—has deep ties to North Carolina basketball.#cincinnati_bearcats #wes_miller #unc_greensboro #charlotte_university #aaron_fearne
