Nebraska Basketball: 10 Reasons Why Tim Miles Could Be a Lifer

By Brandon Cavanaugh

Nebraska Basketball: 10 Reasons Why Tim Miles Could Be a Lifer

Tim Miles Big Ten Media Day
Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

When Tim Miles was hired as Nebraska's new basketball coach, there were some eyebrow raises, eye rolls and even a few moans. Now no one who wears the Cornhuskers' colors wants him to leave and are willing to line up all the auctions, car washes and bake sales needed to keep him around. The coach and school go together like chili and cinnamon rolls (it's a Midwestern thing, look it up). Here's 10 reasons why Miles may retire a Cornhusker.

10. Knows The Culture

Tim Miles Western Illinois
Eric Francis-Getty Images

10. Knows The Culture

Tim Miles Western Illinois
Eric Francis-Getty Images

Born in Doland, SD (population 188 as of 2012), Miles understands the Midwestern way of life. From small town Nebraska to Omaha, he's a natural fit.

9. Has The AD's Backing

Tim Miles Big Ten
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

9. Has The AD's Backing

Tim Miles Big Ten
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

He was hired by former athletic director Tom Osborne, and current athletic director Shawn Eichorst loves him. That and a nice, long contract equate to major job security.

8. Has Premier Facilities To Offer

Tim Miles Pinnacle Bank Arena
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

8. Has Premier Facilities To Offer

Tim Miles Pinnacle Bank Arena
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Good luck to any school that tries to say they won't play in sweet digs if they come to Lincoln. Between the Hendricks Training Complex and Pinnacle Bank Arena, Miles can offer any recruit all they could ever want in amenities.

7. Belongs In The Big Ten After Two Years

Tim Miles Tom Izzo
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

7. Belongs In The Big Ten After Two Years

Tim Miles Tom Izzo
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Sharing Big Ten Coach of the Year honors with Michigan's John Beilein says a lot about Miles. Having Beilein say Miles deserves the award only cements his status as a conference peer.

6. Can Coach Both Team And Fans

Nebraska Basketball Wisconsin
Eric Francis-Getty Images

6. Can Coach Both Team And Fans

Nebraska Basketball Wisconsin
Eric Francis-Getty Images

Miles challenged fans to invite then-No. 9 Wisconsin with hostility at "No Sit Sunday" on Jan 9. They did just that as 15.998 helped the Huskers topple the second top ten Big Ten team at home this season.

5. Tireless Recruiting

Tim Miles Michigan
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tireless Recruiting

Tim Miles Michigan
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Would Miles literally travel all over the world for recruits if he wasn't in it for the long haul? Freshman Tai Webster was brought in from Auckland, New Zealand. That's a dump truck full of frequent flier miles for Nebraska's head man.

4. Fans Love Him

Nebraska Fans Storm Court
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Fans Love Him

Nebraska Fans Storm Court
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

From halftime tweets to selfies to sending those in attendance home with free Runzas, Miles caters to the fans. It's easy to see when he's clearly having as much fun as those in the stands.

3. Youth

Nebraska Basketball Team
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Youth

Nebraska Basketball Team
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Miles is only 47 years old. Michigan State's Tom Izzo is 59 and Michigan's Beilein is 61. Big K over at Duke's got twenty years on the Cornhusker captain. Miles has plenty of time to evolve, mature and win.

2. A Great Face For The Program

Tim Miles Tie
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

2. A Great Face For The Program

Tim Miles Tie
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

When you love what you do, it's easier to stomach those long, stressful days. That's what athletic director Shawn Eichorst knows Miles will be representing during interviews and public functions or private: a love for Nebraska.

1. "This Is My Program"

Tim Miles
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

1. "This Is My Program"

Tim Miles - Copy
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

"This is my program and we don't carry any baggage. Everywhere we've been, we've been surrounded by great people and we win. And we're gonna keep doing it." Miles' words after Nebraska's 77-68 win over the Badgers. Don't be surprised to see him stick around for a very long time.

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