Lawyer in General Counsel’s Office Takes Over Coastal Carolina Athletic Department

Chance Miller, J.D., senior deputy athletics director at the University of South Carolina, has been named Coastal Carolina University’s vice president for intercollegiate athletics and University recreation following a nationwide search, according to CCU President Michael T. Benson, D.Phil. Miller begins his new role on July 16, 2024, and will serve on the President’s Cabinet and the Executive Council.

Miller will provide leadership for CCU’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I intercollegiate athletics program consisting of 19 sports, nearly 200 coaches and staff members, and more than 550 student-athletes. Additionally, Miller will provide executive leadership for University Recreation, Sports Turf and Golf Course Operations, and Teal Nation retail.

“Chance Miller is the right fit and a proven leader with a vision to enhance our championship-caliber athletics program,” said Benson. “His 10-plus years of progressive experience at USC and tenure at the NCAA will be invaluable as we build upon the momentum Chanticleer Athletics is experiencing. I am delighted to welcome Chance to Teal Nation.”

Miller, who joined USC in April 2013, has served in his current position since July 1, 2019, and previously held various roles in the Office of Compliance Services. His primary responsibilities include serving as a member of the athletics department’s executive management team, overseeing day-to-day internal and external operations and initiatives, serving as the senior associate general counsel, providing executive oversight for the Office of Compliance Services as well as serving as the sport administrator for football.

He has led facility and project planning, helped to fundraise and complete a $35 million capital campaign, raised $3 million for institutional name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives, designed the department’s NIL educational programming, and worked with a collective to establish tax, marketing, and branding assistance for USC’s student-athletes.

“I am incredibly excited and honored to have been named the vice president for intercollegiate athletics and University recreation at Coastal Carolina University,” said Miller. “I want to thank President Benson and the Coastal Carolina board of trustees for their trust and confidence in my ability to lead our athletic department to new heights. I also appreciate the search committee for their dedicated efforts throughout the interview process.

“I am eager to work with our talented coaches, dedicated staff, passionate alumni, and enthusiastic fans. My family and I are thrilled to join the vibrant CCU community. With Coastal’s history of success, solid foundation, and the dynamic growth of both the University and the surrounding community, this is truly an ideal place for us. We are ready and excited to begin this journey together with the Teal Nation. Go Chants!”

Prior to USC, Miller worked from 2009-13 at the NCAA, where he served as an assistant and associate director on the enforcement staff. He was the lead investigator on several NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions cases. Miller also served on the NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, NCAA Football Issues Working Group, and NCAA and NFL Agent Regulation Working Group.

Before joining the NCAA, Miller practiced law in New York City. He served as the assistant corporation counsel for the New York City Law Department, where he represented all New York City agencies, including the NYPD, FDNY, and New York City Teachers Union. Miller also worked at the National Football League in its legal department assisting with player conduct and disciplinary issues and coaches’ contract approvals.

A native of Johnson City, Tenn., Miller earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in 2004 and a juris doctorate from New York Law School in 2008. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children, Cason and Caylor.