Ken Miller Asheville NC Death – Ken Miller, a revered former head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, passed away on Wednesday in Asheville, North Carolina, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 82 years old.
Miller’s legacy with the Roughriders is marked by his deep connection with players, fans, and the community during his five seasons with the team, where he led them to three Grey Cup appearances. In 2022, he was honored with an induction into the SaskTel Plaza of Honour, cementing his status as one of the most beloved figures in the team’s history.
Longtime sports therapist Ivan Gutfriend, who was inducted into the Plaza in 2016, described Miller as “like a father figure,” highlighting the deep respect and affection players had for him. “The man was a great man, and they really loved him,” Gutfriend said.
Miller’s journey with the Roughriders began in January 2007 when he was named the team’s offensive coordinator by then-head coach Kent Austin. Later that year, the Roughriders clinched their third Grey Cup victory in franchise history. When Austin unexpectedly left the team the following January, Miller was Austin’s choice to succeed him as head coach—a decision supported by general manager Eric Tillman.
At 66, Miller became the oldest first-time head coach in CFL history. He brought his own unique approach to the role, famously stating during his first press conference, “I march to the beat of a different drummer, in my own way,” and expressing his hope to build on the team’s success under Austin.
Under Miller’s leadership, the Roughriders thrived, matching their 2007 record with 12 regular-season wins in 2008 and achieving their best start (6-0) since 1934. The team made consecutive Grey Cup appearances in 2009 and 2010, though they narrowly lost to the Montreal Alouettes both times.
Miller’s impact on the team extended beyond the Xs and Os. His genuine care for his players and his emphasis on empowerment created a strong bond within the team. As Weston Dressler, a fellow 2022 Plaza inductee, put it, “we’d run through a brick wall for that guy.”
Ken’s wife, Maureen Miller, was also an integral part of the Roughriders’ community, known for her charitable work and her social connections at practices. The Millers’ time in Saskatchewan was a highlight of their lives, with Maureen once reflecting, “We both…came out of there better people.”
After stepping down as head coach following the 2010 season, Miller remained with the Roughriders as vice-president of football operations. However, when the team struggled in 2011, Miller returned to the sidelines, ultimately announcing his retirement later that year with a career record of 36-27-1—the fifth-highest win total in franchise history.
Miller’s coaching career began in 1966 at Dickinson State, and his passion for teaching and coaching spanned decades. His career included time at the University of Redlands, where he coached football and baseball, before joining the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts in 2003.
Even after returning to North Carolina, Ken and Maureen Miller continued to consider Saskatchewan their home, often returning for speaking engagements and to visit friends.
Reflecting on his time in Saskatchewan, Miller said in 2022, “It was just a great place for us and just a great experience that we had the entire time.”
Ken Miller’s passing leaves a profound void in the Roughriders’ community, but his legacy of leadership, kindness, and dedication to the sport will endure for years to come.