Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

CARBONDALE — Jim Miller won 424 games over 23 years as the Carbondale Terriers boys basketball head coach from 1998-2021 before retiring from teaching and coaching after the Covid-shortened season in 2021. Following two years away from the game, the school’s all-time winningest coach will return to the bench next season to lead the Terriers once again.

The CCHS School Board approved Miller’s hiring as head coach at their meeting Thursday night. In a release from the school, Miller said he is excited about the opportunity to return to the Terriers’ bench.

“It has always been an honor to represent Carbondale Community High School and the Carbondale community. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to come back and provide some stability and continuity through the entire program. I am excited about working with the kids, teaching the game, and developing a positive culture that will hopefully enhance their player growth.”

Following Miller’s retirement, Troy Barton led Carbondale to a 7-16 record in the 2021-22 season. When Barton did not return, the school hired Lee Nailon to take over the program. The Terriers finished 11-17 under Nailon last season.

Nailon resigned after the season, providing Miller the chance to come out of retirement and return to CCHS. Miller’s Terrier teams not only won 424 games from 1998-2021, they won seven South Seven championships, 10 regional titles, two sectional titles, 2 supersectional titles, along with two state trophies (4th in 2004 and 2nd in 2005). Carbondale won 20 or more games 11 times in Miller’s 23 seasons.