Ken Miller Death & Obituary: Ken Miller, the beloved former head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has passed away at the age of 82 in Asheville, North Carolina, following a battle with cancer. The Roughriders, a Canadian Football League (CFL) franchise, confirmed Miller’s passing on Wednesday, marking the end of an era for a coach who led the team to back-to-back Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010.
A Career Marked by Leadership and Success
Ken Miller’s journey with the Roughriders began in 2007 when he was appointed as the team’s offensive coordinator under the leadership of head coach Kent Austin. That year, Miller played a pivotal role in shaping an offensive strategy that helped quarterback Kerry Joseph earn the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award. The Roughriders finished the regular season with a 12-6 record and went on to win the 95th Grey Cup, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19, securing the franchise’s third championship in history.
When Austin left unexpectedly to join Ole Miss as an assistant coach in 2007, Roughriders General Manager Eric Tillman turned to Miller, then 66 years old, to take over as head coach—a position Miller had never held at the professional level before. Despite the challenges, including the trade of star quarterback Kerry Joseph, Miller led the Roughriders to another 12-6 record in 2008. However, struggles with finding a consistent starting quarterback ultimately led to a disappointing playoff performance.
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Grey Cup Heartbreak and Resilience
In 2009, with Darian Durant established as the starting quarterback, the Roughriders posted a 10-7-1 record and reached the Grey Cup final. The team seemed poised for victory until a last-minute field goal miss by the Montreal Alouettes was nullified by a penalty on the Roughriders for having too many men on the field—a moment that became infamously known as the “13th Man” incident. The Alouettes capitalized on the second chance, winning the game and leaving the Roughriders and their fans heartbroken. In a show of leadership, Miller had his players promise to keep the identity of the player who committed the penalty confidential, and he personally embraced each player in the somber locker room afterward.
Despite the previous year’s heartbreak, Miller led the Roughriders back to the Grey Cup in 2010, only to suffer another defeat at the hands of the Alouettes. Nevertheless, Miller remained a well-respected and beloved figure within the organization, known for his warmth and grandfatherly demeanor, often greeting his players with a cheerful “Good morning, men.”
A Legacy of Community and Dedication
In 2011, following the departure of Eric Tillman, Miller took on the role of vice-president of football operations and appointed Greg Marshall as head coach. When the team started the season with a disappointing 1-7 record, Miller returned to coaching and led the Roughriders to three consecutive victories, although the team ultimately failed to make the playoffs that year.
Miller retired from coaching with a record of 36-27-1, placing him fifth on the Roughriders’ all-time list for coaching victories. His impact on the team and the community extended beyond the field, as both he and his wife, Maureen, were deeply involved in the Saskatchewan community. Miller was honored for his contributions to the team and the sport with an induction into the Roughriders Plaza of Honour in 2022.
Ken Miller’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career in football, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the Roughriders and the broader CFL community. His leadership, kindness, and commitment to the game will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.