CFL Central Columns

“The Easy Way Out, Not the Right Way”

September 1st, 2011

Those words were spoken by former Rider head coach Greg Marshall when responding to his and offensive coordinator Doug Berry’s dismissal on Aug 19th.
I was never in favor of the former “Bomber admin” taking over the Riders to begin with… that includes: Brendan Taman GM, Greg Marshall HC, Doug Berry OC, and Bob Dyce assistant coach.
BUT – fact is, the Riders decided to go that way… and to fire a new head coach after only 8 games, is pretty bush league and a big waste of everyone’s time.
I guess nothing should be a surprise after Miller and Taman’s handling of the Gary Etcheverry demotion, in favor of Ritchie Hall – before the season started.

Anyone who thinks this is still the 2007 team of Eric Tillman and Kent Austin had better give their head a shake.
And anyone who thinks that Ken Miller is a great coach and will turn things around… keep shaking the head.
Ken Miller was not the coaching genius everyone made him out to be… rather he was the caretaker of the Tillman/Austin team, which has been in decline since it was built in 2007.
Not only was the onfield product regressing, but also the coaching staff that Austin had put together were gradually moving on to bigger things.
Good coaches will not stay assistants – and a few have moved on to their own gig… including Paul LaPolice to Winnipeg, and Kavis Reed to Edmonton.

Now, if you are Greg Marshall and taking your first head coaching job… why would you be ok with:
1. Ken Miller picking your coaching staff?
2. Ken Miller and Brendan Taman picking your players?
3. Ken Miller hanging around the practice field almost every day, and interacting with the players?
4. Ken Miller lurking around the sidelines (including the road) during most games?
Fact is… as a rookie head coach, FINALLY getting the chance after being turned down numerous times over 17 years – Marshall was likely far too accepting of things that veteran coaches would have objected to in short order.

It will be interesting to see what becomes of the legend of Ken Miller now.
Remember, Ron Lancaster was viewed as a coaching mastermind when he left Edmonton for Hamilton. Then the coaching legacy took a beating.
Miller starts his second stint as Rider coach with alot of bling in the kitty from the organization… back to the VP is the coach, and the GM is his boss but not really scenario again.
Some of the glowing reputation is deserved, however much of it is unearned accolades… and with that, expectations.
So how quickly will the goodwill account go down for Miller? Should be interesting to watch, considering the talent pool hasn’t been upgraded.
One thing Miller won’t be getting – is any sympathy should things blow up… this after his constant interference with Marshall’s job.

One has to wonder just how much of a realistic chance Greg Marshall ever had… hired for a job that he was never allowed to do his way or with his people.
I agree with Marshall that things were not handled properly… but I suggest that it was from day 1, not just day last.
In the long run I think the Riders made things easier for Marshall than themselves.
Marshall is a good defensive mind, and will certainly be back in the CFL fairly soon.
As for his next head coaching opportunity? THAT won’t come so quickly.

dave@cflcentral.net

Entry Filed under: CFL Football