Curt Miller inks contract extension with Sun

UNCASVILLE, CT (January 12, 2021) – The Connecticut Sun announced today that General Manager and Head Coach Curt Miller has signed a four-year contract extension through the 2024 WNBA season.

Per team policy, no details were released.

“I would like to thank the Mohegan Tribe leadership, along with Amber Cox, for their renewed commitment and faith in what we are doing,” said Miller. “I’m incredibly proud of the culture and sustained success we have established. So much of that has to do with the players we have had and continue to have here; and their excellence both on and off the court.

“Together, and along with my outstanding staff, I look forward to continuing to work to do all we can to bring a WNBA championship here to Connecticut. This team, franchise, and our loyal fan base deserve that, and I’m humbled to continue to have the opportunity to lead them.”

Miller began coaching the Sun in 2016 and has compiled an overall regular season record of 89-69 and a postseason record of 9-8. In the past two seasons, Miller led the Sun to the 2019 WNBA Finals and the 2020 WNBA Semifinals, respectively, pushing both series to Game 5.

In 2019, Connecticut posted an overall record of 23-11 and a home record of 15-2, which tied a franchise best recorded in 2011. After concluding the 2019 season Miller ranked 18th all-time on the regular season wins’ list with 79 victories

With a roster of new players and an unorthodox season played away from Mohegan Sun Arena, Connecticut started the year 0-5 in 2020, but eventually completed the season as the No. 7 seed with a 10-12 record. The Sun became just the third team in WNBA history to begin the season with 5+ losses and reach the playoffs and the first to reach the semifinals.

With the Sun’s 10-12 mark in 2020, Miller ascended to 17th all-time in wins in the WNBA after surpassing Pat Coyle (81). He sits two wins away from passing Corey Gaines (90). Since 2017, Miller’s 75 regular season wins trails only Cheryl Reeve (77).

Hired prior to the 2016 season as the head coach, Miller led the Sun to a 14-20 record, including a three game win-streak to end the regular season. Prior to the 2017 season, Miller added general manager duties to his role. He then guided the team to back-to-back 21-13 records in 2017 and 2018, advancing to the WNBA Quarterfinals both years after a five-year absence in the postseason. For his efforts, Miller was awarded WNBA Coach and Executive of the Year and Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2017.

Among active coaches in the WNBA, Miller sits with nine playoff wins, the most of any coach over the last two seasons and second behind Mike Thibault (12) for most playoff wins by a team/coach since 2017.

Prior to joining the Sun, Miller spent time at Bowling Green State University from 2001-12. In 11 seasons, he compiled a record of 258-92 and set the record for most coaching victories in a career and a season with 31 in 2006-07. He also earned Mid-American Conference (MAC) Coach of the Year a record six times and led the team to eight consecutive regular season MAC titles and five MAC tournament championships. Miller also coached at Indiana University from 2012-14 before entering the WNBA.

“Curt has done a tremendous job during his tenure,” said Amber Cox, Vice President of Sports at Mohegan Sun. “He’s built a culture on and off the court that has resulted in sustained success, making this a destination for players, coaches and staff. I’m thrilled to extend Curt’s contract and continue our journey to help bring home the franchise’s first WNBA Championship.”