RIDERS NAME DEFENSIVE COACHES

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are pleased to announce their defensive coaching staff for the 2012 CFL season.

RICHIE HALL – DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Hall will once again run the Riders defence after returning to the Green and White last season. Previous to that, Hall spent two seasons as head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos where he also led the defence. Previous to his time in Edmonton, Hall was a part of the Green and White coaching staff for 15 seasons, eight as defensive coordinator and developed a reputation for fielding a top defence year after year.Before moving into his coaching role, Hall spent nine years playing in the CFL including four seasons with the Roughriders from 1988-1991.

ALEX SMITH – ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD COACH/LINEBACKERS COACH
Smith returns to the Green and White for his 16th season. He will continue to coach the Rider linebackers and will work in an advisory capacity with Head Coach Chamblin. He will also act as a facilitator in regards to the Canadian draft. Smith originally joined the Roughriders' coaching staff in May 1997 as linebackers coach. A Level Two Certified National Coach, Smith offers the Roughriders 36 years of coaching experience. Before joining the Green and White on a full-time basis in 1997, Smith gained valuable CFL experience as a Roughrider Guest Coach in 1995 and 1996.Prior to joining the Roughriders, Smith spent five seasons with the Regina Rams of the Prairie Junior Football League as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach.

MIKE WALKER – DEFENSIVE LINE COACH
Walker returns to the Riders for his second season leading the defensive line. He brings over 25 years of playing and coaching experience to the Green and White. The Indiana native spent the 2010 season as defensive line coach for the Edmonton Eskimos and was a defensive consultant for the Toronto Argonauts in 2008. From 1997 to 2007, he coached the defensive line at his alma mater Washington State as well as four bowl games – two Rose Bowls, Holiday Bowl and the Sun Bowl. During that time he also coached the 2002 Outland Trophy winner Rien Long.Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Walker was a three-time CFL all-star and a four-time All-Eastern Conference selection, playing with both Hamilton (1982-89) and Edmonton (1990-91).

BARRON MILES – DEFENSIVE BACKS COACH
Miles is the newest member of the Riders defensive staff as he comes to Saskatchewan from the B.C. Lions where he spent the last two seasons as a defensive and player personnel assistant. Miles made the transition into coaching after retirning from a storied 12 year playing career in the CFL. His career began in Montreal where he spent seven seasons as a defensive back before playing his final five years with the Lions. The Nebraska grad was named a Divisional All-Star nine times and a CFL All-Star six times over the course of his playing career.