Mike Miller will be announced as the new men’s basketball head coach at a 1 p.m. press conference, a source close to the program said.

Miller, formerly the associate head coach at Kansas State, will replace Rick Samuels, who coached the Panthers for 25 seasons before not receiving a contract renewal.

This will be Miller’s second head-coaching position at the Division I level, as he spent six seasons leading Texas State (formerly Southwest Texas) as its head coach. During that span, the Bobcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 1997 after receiving the Southland Conference’s automatic bid.

Miller interviewed for the Eastern job Friday. During the previous two days, the Panthers interviewed Wisconsin assistant Gary Close and Creighton associate head coach Greg Grensing.

Close withdrew his name from consideration said search committee member and Panther Club president Gary Kling.

Miller, a native of Monmouth, met with Eastern’s players during his daylong interview Friday. Junior guard Josh Gomes said Miller made a quick impression with the team.

“It’s hard to connect with a guy after 30 or 45 minutes,” Gomes said. “When he talked, I could tell the team liked what he had to say.

“He seemed easy to relate to.”

Gomes said Miller comes with high recommendations from ex-Panther assistant coach Steve Weemer.

Eastern traveled to Kansas State Dec. 30 and lost 81-63.

Gomes said the game gave Miller a chance to see the Panthers in person, as well as on tape beforehand.

“He said he’s going to tailor things to our style,” Gomes said.