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Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 2:06 AM

Miller steps down as boys basketball coach, Knutson named as successor

Miller steps down as boys basketball coach, Knutson named as successor
Fernley coach Derek Miller shouts instructions during the Northern 3A championship game against Elko last February. Photo by Michael Michaelsen for the Fernley Reporter

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

After 12 years at the helm of the Fernley High School boys basketball program, Derek Miller has stepped down as head coach.

Miller informed his team following their loss to Boulder City in the State Tournament in February that he was retiring as a coach.

Miller spent 12 seasons as head coach of the Vaqueros, although there was no season in the 2020-21 school year because of Covid-19 shutdowns.

Miller led the Vaqueros to the State Tournament twice, in 2017 and 2022 and to the playoffs eight times overall, including the last seven years in a row. He finishes his career at Fernley with an overall record of 141-146, and 82-80 in league play.

He came to Fernley after several Silver Stage, and coached in Montana for several years before that.

Miller hopes to coach youth basketball, and also plans to be able to follow his son, Drew’s career as he begins playing Division I baseball at Louisiana-Monroe. Another son Grant, graduated from Fernley this spring, and a third son just finished seventh grade.

Coming off a state tournament appearance and several promising young players in the program ready to make an impact at the varsity level, Miller said he is leaving the program in good shape.

“The program is in a real good spot,” he said. “I like where it’s at.”

 Miller also said he feels comfortable leaving the program to Knutson, who played under Miller and graduated in 2012, then played at Southern Oregon University and was a graduate assistant coach at Nevada before joining Miller's staff as an assistant


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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion.Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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