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Illinois Basketball: Final top 5 coaches to replace John Groce

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce in the second half against the Minnesota Gophers at Williams Arena. The Illinois Fighting Illini beat the Minnesota Gophers 76-71. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce in the second half against the Minnesota Gophers at Williams Arena. The Illinois Fighting Illini beat the Minnesota Gophers 76-71. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 3 Archie Miller

There are a few mid-major coaches on this list and Archie Miller is easily in my top five coaches that I want in Champaign.

The Good

Miller has been with the Dayton Flyers for the last six years. Not only has he been successful with the program, but he seems to be recruiting well too.

It took Miller a few seasons to get the program back on track but he did and they are dangerous every year. Dayton has made the NCAA tournament in the last three seasons and they are going to make it again this year.

Miller has hit the 20 win mark in five of the six seasons in Dayton and the 24 win mark in four of the six seasons. That is impressive.

In 2014 Miller led Dayton to the Elite 8 with wins over No. 6 Ohio State, No. 3 Syracuse and No. 10 Stanford. He then got the Flyers back to the Sweet 16 the following season with wins over No. 11 Boise State and No. 6 Providence.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Dayton makes another run this season.

I also love Miller’s ability to recruit as well. In his first year, he proved he could recruit Chicago players. He signed a four-star and a three-star. He then managed to expand into other states and recruited well.

The Bad

None

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