By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostJanuary 8, 2009
REGINA -- Ken Miller isn’t in a rush to fill the vacant coaching positions with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but he would prefer to have it done soon.
REGINA -- Ken Miller isn’t in a rush to fill the vacant coaching positions with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but he would prefer to have it done soon.
“By Monday,’’ Miller said with a laugh Thursday when asked when he would like to announce replacements for offensive line coach Mike Gibson and defensive co-ordinator Richie Hall. “From a realistic point of view I would like to have things in place in the next couple of weeks. There is a sense of urgency to get things together, but I want to make sure that the pieces fit together correctly.’’
Hall and Gibson fit in well with the Riders. Hall spent 15 seasons with the Riders, including the last eight as defensive co-ordinator. Hall has moved on to become the 23rd head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos
Gibson, who spent two seasons with the Riders, was added to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ coaching staff as an offensive co-ordinator. Miller was disappointed to see Hall and Gibson leave but the second-year head coach knows that change and adapting to those changes are a part of football.
Gibson, who spent two seasons with the Riders, was added to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ coaching staff as an offensive co-ordinator. Miller was disappointed to see Hall and Gibson leave but the second-year head coach knows that change and adapting to those changes are a part of football.
“As I went through the season last year, I talked several times about the quality of our coaching staff,’’ Miller said. “I felt that it was one of the best, if not the best, in the league. When you have a coach who leaves to become an offensive co-ordinator with another team and one leaves to become a head coach, it would substantiate that. It’s to be expected when you have good people and people recognize that.’’
It’s believed the former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive line coach Bob Wylie is in the running for Gibson’s position. Riders assistant coach Gary Etcheverry and CFL veteran Dave Ritchie are among the candidates for the defensive co-ordinator.
Miller declined to go into details about the individual candidates. He did express generally what he’s looking for in regards to a defensive co-ordinator.
Miller declined to go into details about the individual candidates. He did express generally what he’s looking for in regards to a defensive co-ordinator.
“We would really like to have someone with experience, a stable background and has experienced success in that capacity,’’ Miller said. “We also want people who have a similar philosophy in terms of schemes. It doesn’t have to be an exact match, but there has to be a certain compatibility.
“One of the things that is really crucial is to have cohesiveness among the coaches, whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. One of the great things about our team was the cohesiveness in the locker room and that was really brought about by our coaching staff.’’
It’s hasn’t been all subtraction this off-season. The Riders signed slotback Jason Clermont, who was released after seven seasons with the B.C. Lions. The Roughriders also re-signed quarterback Darian Durant on Monday.
“One of the things that is really crucial is to have cohesiveness among the coaches, whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side of the ball. One of the great things about our team was the cohesiveness in the locker room and that was really brought about by our coaching staff.’’
It’s hasn’t been all subtraction this off-season. The Riders signed slotback Jason Clermont, who was released after seven seasons with the B.C. Lions. The Roughriders also re-signed quarterback Darian Durant on Monday.
Miller was excited to see the Clermont signing and what it means for the Riders’ offence.
“One of our strengths is our home-grown talent,’’ said Miller. “To add another player to that pool is really something. Jason has been an inspirational guy with the Lions and a leader. He makes the clutch catches and is a popular local guy. For us, it’s a huge catch.’’
Miller said Durant is expected to be first on the depth chart when the Riders open training camp June 7. Miller said that Durant earned that spot in 2008 because he had the most playing time of the four returning pivots, but there will still be competition for the position.
“One of our strengths is our home-grown talent,’’ said Miller. “To add another player to that pool is really something. Jason has been an inspirational guy with the Lions and a leader. He makes the clutch catches and is a popular local guy. For us, it’s a huge catch.’’
Miller said Durant is expected to be first on the depth chart when the Riders open training camp June 7. Miller said that Durant earned that spot in 2008 because he had the most playing time of the four returning pivots, but there will still be competition for the position.
The Riders had a league-high 19 players eligible to file for free agency on Feb. 15. There are 61 players available across the league but Miller feels that re-signing the Riders’ potential free agents should be a priority.
http://www.leaderpost.com/Sports/Miller+confident+coaching+positions+filled+quickly/1156588/mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
http://www.leaderpost.com/Sports/Miller+confident+coaching+positions+filled+quickly/1156588/mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
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