The Legend Returns: Former Florida Gators Star Mike Miller Announces His Comeback From Retirement to Rejoin the Basketball World as a Coach

After years away from the sidelines, former NBA sharpshooter and Florida Gators legend Mike Miller is making a triumphant return—not as a player, but as a coach.

In a statement that sent waves through the college basketball community, Miller announced his decision to come out of retirement and rejoin the sport that defined much of his life. This time, he’ll be swapping his jersey for a clipboard, stepping into a full-time coaching role with ambitions to shape the next generation of stars.

“I’ve always had the game in my blood,” Miller said in a press release. “I’ve played at the highest level, I’ve won championships, and now I’m ready to give back. Coaching is the natural next chapter.”

Miller, who played two seasons at the University of Florida under legendary coach Billy Donovan, became a household name during the Gators’ 2000 Final Four run. His clutch play and smooth shooting earned him a spot as the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. Over a 17-year NBA career, Miller played for teams including the Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, and Miami Heat—winning two NBA championships alongside LeBron James in Miami.

Following his retirement in 2017, Miller briefly stepped into coaching, serving as an assistant at the University of Memphis under Penny Hardaway, where he quickly earned praise for his recruiting acumen and player development skills. However, he stepped away in 2020 to focus on family and personal business ventures.

Now, with renewed energy and purpose, Miller is returning to the bench—this time with a long-term vision.

Sources close to the situation suggest that Miller will be joining a Division I program as either an associate head coach or lead assistant, with eyes on a future head coaching position. Details are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Florida fans and basketball enthusiasts alike are thrilled to see one of the sport’s most respected veterans reenter the game.

“He’s got the mind of a coach and the heart of a champion,” said one former teammate. “This is great for college basketball.”