Music: {allcanada} ROUGHRIDERS' MILLER STEPPING DOWN AS VICE PRESIDENT AND COACH

Monday, October 31, 2011

{allcanada} ROUGHRIDERS' MILLER STEPPING DOWN AS VICE PRESIDENT AND COACH

Ken Miller's tenure with the Saskatchewan Roughriders has come to an end.

Miller announced he will step down from his roles as head coach and vice-president of football operations upon completion of the 2011 regular season.

"Upon the completion of my duties after the end of the season, I am going to enter retirement," stated Miller. "I thank my wife Maureen for her understanding, friendship and support in my coaching endeavors. I'm thankful to Roger Brandvold and our Board of Directors. I especially thank Jim Hopson for his supportive work environment, his cooperation and friendship we have shared."

Miller served as the team's head coach for three seasons between 2008 and 2011, leading the team to back-to-back Grey Cup Finals appearances in 2008 and 2009.

He stepped down as head coach prior to the 2011 season, handing the job over to Greg Marshall. However, after a 1-7 start to the season, Miller took over as head coach once again on Aug. 19.

The team responded well to the change, reeling off three straight wins including back-to-back games against Winnipeg and one against Toronto. However, the team would then lose five straight, including three consecutive games without a touchdown before finally beating Hamilton last Saturday.

The team currently sits on a 5-12 record in 2011 with only an away game in Edmonton remaining on the schedule.

The Riders have not missed the playoffs since 2001 when the team finished 6-12. The last time the team won less than six games was its 5-12-1 finish in 2000.

Miller has a 35-24-1 record as Riders coach.

"It's difficult to put into words how much Ken Miller has meant to the Rider organization," stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. "I can't begin to thank Ken for his passion, commitment and contributions to this team and to our province over his time here."