Alex Jensen has had numerous phone calls with Andre Miller over the last few months.
The Runnin’ Utes hired Jensen to be the program’s head coach in March, following the midseason firing of Craig Smith.
He has since filled out his roster and made a splash GM hire by signing former Sacramento Kings assistant general manager Wes Wilcox.
He’s also filled out his coaching staff.
But was there ever a chance of bringing in Miller, another Runnin’ Ute legend, who had reported interest in a position on his staff?
“I had multiple conversations with Andre,” Jensen told The Salt Lake Tribune of potentially hiring Miller. “He was my teammate, 30 years ago now, and he’s done a great job.”
For the last three seasons, Miller has been coaching the G League’s Grand Rapids Gold.
He told the Tribune in a March 7 interview that he hadn’t talked to Jensen much about joining his coaching staff then.
But he was still happy for him to be rejoining his alma mater.
“Being born and raised in Utah ... I’m sure it’s an exciting time for him, and I’m sure it’s a tough transition too, just because he’s been in the NBA world so long and been to the Finals with the Dallas Mavericks,” Miller said. “Now, having to jump to college, that’s a question for him, and how he sees that entire situation. Either way, it’s a blessing to be able to coach at any level. I’m sure he’s excited about that.”
Jensen ultimately said a couple of things factored into his thinking regarding Miller.
“I think the timing for both of us wasn’t the best,” Jensen said. “Being deliberate, I was very conscious of not trying to force anything. That’s how I describe that situation, but we had principal conversations.”
Who do you think will be Utah’s backup quarterback?
Last week, I asked who you think will be Utah’s backup quarterback.
Here’s what you said:
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) at the Utah Utes spring football game in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Q1: Who will be Utah’s backup QB?
Q2: Why do you think they’ll be the backup?
One person said they think it will be Wilson because “he showed some potential last year; should know the system better; must be highly motivated at this point.”
Another fan thinks that Wilson will be the “backup out of camp” but Ficklin will overtake him “by game three.”
Q3: Are you confident in Utah’s backup quarterbacks?
This question had some mixed reviews.
So I’ll give you my take for this one.
I personally think the Utes should feel less confident in their backup quarterbacks than last season, especially since they lost two veterans in Brandon Rose (transferred to UMass) and Luke Bottari (ran out of eligibility) this offseason.
One person agreed with me, as they responded with a simple “No.”
Another person said, “That’s not the issue. The issue is Dampier’s ability and success.”
I agree with that, but Utah has had horrible injury luck at the quarterback position in the past.
New poll: Should Jensen have hired Miller?
We’ve now heard the reasoning for Jensen not hiring the Runnin’ Ute legend as an assistant for the 2025-26 season.
Now I want to hear your thoughts.
Should Alex Jensen have hired Andre Miller to his staff this offseason?
Let me know what you think.
