Charlotte 49ers name Wes Miller new men’s basketball coach

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wes Miller was named the next head coach of the Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team on Monday, replacing Aaron Fearne, who was fired last week after missing the NCAA Tournament three consecutive years. 

Miller was most recently the head coach at Cincinnati, where he led the Bearcats to three postseason appearances in the past five years. Cincinnati averaged 20 wins per season with Miller at the helm. Prior to Cincinnati, Miller spent a decade as the head coach at UNC-Greensboro, leading the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament twice (2018 and 2021). 

“I’m incredibly honored to lead the Charlotte Basketball program,” Miller said in a press release. “This is a university with tremendous momentum, a passionate city behind it, and deep basketball roots in the state of North Carolina. From the moment I began talking with Kevin White and Chancellor Gaber, it was clear there is a shared vision to build a program defined by toughness, passion, and relentless energy. We’re going to pour everything we have into developing our student-athletes, competing at the highest level, and building a team that our campus and this city are proud to rally around. The foundation is here for something special, and I can’t wait to get to work because Charlotte’s stock is rising.”

Miller’s teams have finished with a winning record each of the past 10 years, averaging 22.5 victories per season in that span. He was a two-time SoCon coach of the year while at UNC-Greensboro. He departed UNCG with a school-record 185 wins, including an average of 25.0 wins per season over his final five years.

“Wes Miller is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the game and strong ties to basketball in our state,” athletic director Kevin White said. “Throughout this process, what stood out most was his passion, competitive energy, and clear vision for building a championship culture here at Charlotte. He embodies the toughness, resilience, and commitment to the total student-athlete experience that we value, and he understands the opportunity we have to build something special for our university and our city.”

Charlotte hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 2005. 

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