Fans, students react to Dayton Flyers coach Archie Miller’s departure

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Fans, alumni and students wished former Dayton Flyers basketball coach Archie Miller well on Saturday but wondered how his departure for Indiana University would impact the team he will be leaving behind.

The campus was abuzz with the news Saturday afternoon after it was confirmed that Miller had called a mandatory team meeting to let his players know he had taken the Indiana job.

RELATED: Archie Miller takes job with Indiana Hoosiers

“I think it’s kind of sad. I think the university’s going to miss him a lot. It’s probably going to be a lot different next year without him and all the basketball players that are graduating,” junior Lindsey Aburn said. “But good job to him for getting the job at Indiana.”

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The Flyers soccer team, including Jake Degler, was warming up for a scrimmage.

His mother and grandfather were heading toward the field when they stopped to share their thoughts.

“Certainly a compliment to the University of Dayton,” Connie Degler said. “It’s sort of a bummer. I would like to have seen him stick around a few more years.”

“Just found out,” Degler added before heading to her son’s scrimmage. “Excited for him and the opportunity, but I think it’s going to be a loss, depending on who they get to replace him.”

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE MOBILE APPS FOR THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS

Ron Scheper, a UD graduate who played four years on the tennis team and one year of basketball, parked before heading over to watch his grandson’s scrimmage.

“I just heard like 15 minutes ago,” said Scheper, also a season ticket holder for more than 40 years. “I’m just tickled to death for Archie. It’s a great stepping stone.”

A resident of Columbus, Scheper said he had been hoping Miller would step into the job as basketball coach at Ohio State whenever it came open.

“He’s getting an opportunity to fulfill a job he’s been working so hard for,” Scheper added. “He’s done a heck of a job here. We are so proud of him.”

About the Author