Glen Miller is in Las Vegas this week watching basketball.

Being on the road in July is nothing new for Miller who's traveled all over the country during prime recruiting season over his long and distinguished college basketball coaching career.

This time, his mission is different.

Miller, a Groton native, is searching for a new job. He's trying to make connections and search out opportunities while attending the NBA Summer League.

He's been out of work since UConn coach Kevin Ollie fired him the day after a tumultuous 2016-17 season ended in March. After a roughly 15-minute meeting, Miller's coaching career at UConn was shockingly over after 14 years in Storrs, where he spent the last five as associate head coach.

Ollie hired Raphael Chillious to replace Miller.

The timing of his dismissal put Miller in a tough situation. He continues to take the high road, declining to publicly discuss his feelings about Ollie's decision and their relationship.

But it's taken an emotional toll on Miller, who's concerned about his future and how he's going to support his family.

"Not a day that I go to sleep that I don't toss and turn and wake up with a sour stomach," Miller said.

In the last few months, Miller's put all his energy into getting back into the game. He's open to accepting a position either on the professional or college level.

"It's difficult," Miller said of being out of a college basketball. "It's something I've done from 1986 to now. This is the only way I've earned a living for 30 years. This is where my skill set is. This is what I love to do. It is difficult because as each day passes you feel there is not going to be any opportunity."

The reality is Miller is fighting against the tide.

His age — he'll be 56 next month — works against him in a college basketball world that favors the up-and-coming coach.

He realizes his options are limited and worries his coaching days could be over despite an impressive resume that includes head coaching stops at Connecticut College, Brown and Penn, guiding all three programs to the NCAA tournament, as well as two successful stints at UConn, helping the Huskies capture two national championships as an assistant coach.

"I have a lot of energy and a lot to offer a program, but they are hiring young guys," Miller said. "And they're always hiring someone they know. I need that perfect situation. It's going to be difficult to get back in.

"... In college, the (job) market is pretty much closed for this year. But I'm hoping there might be an opportunity that develops later. Sometimes, they do."

Working in Miller's favor is his strong reputation. Miller is considered a terrific bench coach and relationship builder. He's also a tireless worker, genuinely cares about his players and is well-connected in the recruiting community.

"I'm an old-school type of coach," Miller said. "I think a lot of people appreciate and respect that."

Judging from the kind words and support that he's received since leaving UConn, Miller has no shortage of people in his corner. Former players, AAU, high school and college coaches have reached out to him in recent months.

Brewster Academy guard Makai Ashton-Langford cited Miller's departure as a reason for asking UConn for his release from his letter of intent in late March. He ended up at Providence.

There may come a time in the near future when Miller will have to consider changing his profession in order to find a job. He's explored options in the UConn athletic department but nothing has panned out.

"I'm going to be at that point soon probably," Miller said. "This is probably my last effort here (in Las Vegas). If this doesn't yield something in the NBA, I have to figure something out because I have to work. ... It's just a tough situation."

g.keefe@theday.com