Will Utah Shift Focus Towards Adding Andre Miller To Basketball Program?
Mar 6, 2025, 2:20 PM | Updated: 2:33 pm
SALT LAKE CITY—Utah has made a big move in hiring Alex Jensen as its new head coach but there appears to be another one on the horizon.
Former Runnin’ Utes point guard, and coach of the Grand Rapids Gold—the G-League affiliate of the Denver Nuggets— Andre Miller seems to be close to re-joining the program as well.
Miller has spent the past three years as the head coach of the Grand Rapids Gold and actually interviewed for Utah’s head coaching job. However, he and Jensen also discussed the possibility of working together, and the possibility of these two working together seems strong.
RELATED: Alex Jensen Is Set To Become The New Head Coach For Utah Men’s Basketball
BREAKING: Alex Jensen is officially set to become the new head coach of the University of Utah men’s basketball program! pic.twitter.com/Pk273Nsg78
— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) March 6, 2025
Andre Miller to join the Runnin’ Utes as an assistant coach?
The Utes proved they can compete in the Big 12 this season, but there is another level Utah leaders believe can reach. With Jensen’s hiring complete, the Utes are expected to turn their attention to Miller, and there is a strong belief that he will indeed join the program.
It is unclear in what form or role that will be, but Miller nearly joined the program last spring as an assistant. Craig Smith ultimately passed on the opportunity, but Miller’s strong interest in returning to the program has remained strong.
Miller had an impressive 17 seasons in the NBA, totaling over 16,000 points, 8,500 assists, 1,500 steals, and nearly 5,000 rebounds. Though he was never selected to an All-Star event, Miller was a proven winner and enjoyed a lengthy stay in the league.
Miller’s experience as another former Runnin’ Ute, his successful NBA career, and his current coaching role would bring a lot of excitement to the program. His insight into player growth and his leadership qualities would be invaluable in returning the program to prominence.
He starred at the University of Utah as the starting point guard throughout his career. He took hold of the job as a freshman and remained the leader throughout his four seasons. Miller averaged 12.1 points, 5.4 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game over his four-year collegiate career at Utah.
In 1997, Miller and Michael Doleac led the Runnin’ Utes to the national championship game in 1998. In the Final Four matchup, Utah faced Arizona, who boasted an All-American guard line of Mike Bibby, Miles Simon, and Jason Terry. Yet, Miller dominated the Wildcats backcourt, totaling 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists in the game.
With Jensen onboard as head coach, the possibility of adding Miller seems to be trending towards actuality. Miller’s presence would give Utah fans another connection to the storied past and provide the program with another strong presence on staff.
Alex Jensen, head coach of Utah Basketball
Jensen will return to his alma mater with 18 seasons of coaching experience, highlighted by 12 as an NBA assistant. He has spent the past two seasons working under head coach Jason Kidd with the Dallas Mavericks. Before that, Jensen spent 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz, including time under Tyrone Corbin and Quin Snyder.
After a year in the Big 12 Conference, the program is committing to a stronger basketball program. The fanbase has long desired Jensen as head coach, so his return is expected to reignite the passion for the very proud program.
With the expected influx of resources and overall support, the move suggests Utah wants to genuinely contend at the top of the conference now too. Miller’s potential addition would only further showcase Utah’s newfound commitment to the program.
Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.
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