Jon Miller Resigns at Defiance to Lead Hanover's Basketball Program
April 11, 2008 (Hanover Release)
HANOVER, IN - Hanover College President Sue DeWine has appointed Jon Miller head coach of the College's men's basketball program. He is the 21st coach in Hanover's basketball history and succeeds Mike Beitzel, who retired following the 2007-08 season after 20 seasons on the Panthers' bench.
Miller, a 1997 Hanover graduate, returns to his alma mater after five seasons as the head coach at Defiance College (Ohio). He guided the Yellow Jackets to a 19-8 overall record in 2007-2008, including the school's first outright Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference championship (13-3). Miller's squads posted a 67-63 record during his stint at Defiance, including a 36-17 record through the past two seasons.
"As a former Hanover student-athlete and coach, I know first-hand the tremendous opportunities that exist for young people at Hanover," stated Miller. "I am very much looking forward to getting to work with our current team and also hitting the road to share my vision for the future of Hanover basketball with potential recruits and our alumni."
Miller was a four-year starter and three-time all-conference selection at Hanover during the mid-1990s. He was voted the team's most valuable player after the 1996-97 campaign and helped the Panthers earn NCAA tourney appearances in both 1995 and 1996. A two-time team captain, he was a three-year recipient of the Hanover Scholar-Athlete Award and was honored as Hanover's outstanding senior athlete prior to his graduation.
"To be named only the third basketball coach at the college in the past 42 years is a real honor," added Miller. "It certainly speaks to the tradition that John Collier and Mike Beitzel have created. I realize this tradition carries with it some high expectations. I look forward to working with our players on a daily basis to help them reach their potential on the court and in the classroom."
Collier, a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, guided Hanover to a 388-242 record from 1966-1988. Beitzel led the Panthers to a 370-181 mark from 1988-2008.
Following his collegiate playing career, Miller served as the top assistant at DePauw University from 1997-1999. He then joined Hanover's staff as an assistant, helping the Panthers post an 87-20 record and earn three consecutive HCAC championships while on the bench from 1999-2003.
Miller earned his master's degree in recreation and sports management from Indiana State University. He and his wife, Angela, a 1997 Hanover graduate, are the parents of three children.