MILLER'S TIME TO SHINE

By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostNovember 10, 2009

REGINA — Ken Miller won't like this story.

That's because the head coach of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders prefers to let the spotlight shine on his players and assistant coaches. But it's impossible to overlook Miller's role in what the Riders have accomplished in 2009.

The Riders finished first in the West Division for the first time in 33 years after Saturday's 30-14 victory over the Calgary Stampeders. Miller is the first Riders head coach to accomplish that feat since John Payne in 1976. Miller, Payne and Eagle Keys are the only Riders head coaches to win regular-season pennants since 1961 when the CFL split into East and West divisions.

Some members of the Riders marked that accomplishment by showering Miller with ice-cold water after Saturday's win. After the game, other players showered Miller with praise.

"Ken Miller is my man,'' said Wes Cates, the Riders' veteran running back. "He is cerebral and probably the smartest man I have ever met. He's not a loud guy but he knows how to get his guys motivated and how to get wins.''

Cates wasn't too concerned when the 68-year-old Miller was doused by the cold water.
"We're lucky that he didn't go into shock but he had mostly waterproof stuff on,'' Cates said with a chuckle. "I don't think he got too wet. It's surprising because he has a lot of energy in him. He saves it for the right time and I'm proud of the way that he's stuck through with things. A lot of things have happened to the organization since he's been the head coach and a lot of people have talked bad about him but all he has done is lead this team to victory.''

Miller's support of quarterback Darian Durant is one of those decisions that raised the ire of some followers. The two are now celebrating a West Division regular-season title.

"I wanted to do this for Coach Miller,'' said Durant, who is the Riders' nominee for the CFL's most-outstanding-player award. "He has stuck by my side when I'm pretty sure that a lot of people were calling for my head after a couple of games. I appreciate him sticking with me and we got rewarded with a Western title.''
The players also appreciate Miller's style when it comes to being the head coach.

"You don't need a drill sergeant (for a head coach),'' said Durant. "You need a guy who is an overseer and will make sure that things are run properly. He doesn't accept any nonsense and no one on this team wants to disappoint the head coach. That's the type of guy you want to play for and you want to respect.''

Miller developed that style as a life-long coach. He spent four decades as a high school and college coach before joining the Toronto Argonauts as a quarterbacks coach in 2002. He joined the Riders in 2007 as their offensive co-ordinator. That team led the CFL in touchdowns (54) and quarterback Kerry Joseph was named the CFL's most outstanding player en route to helping the team win the 2007 Grey Cup.

Miller was promoted to head coach after Kent Austin left during the off-season to return to his alma mater as the offensive co-ordinator with the University of Mississippi. The Riders were 12-6-0 in Miller's first season as a head coach, finished second in the division and were beaten 33-12 by the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal.

There have been highs and lows over the two seasons but one of the constants has been the respect Miller has earned.

"He's a very well-liked coach,'' said Eddie Davis, the Riders' veteran defensive halfback. "He's a players' coach. He leaves players alone and let's them find their own way. If you don't like him, then there is something wrong with you.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com