West Michigan Thunderhawks Name Rod Miller As Head Coach
November 11, 2009 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
West Michigan Thunderhawks News Release
Grand Rapids, Michigan - The West Michigan ThunderHawks continued preparations for their second season in the Indoor Football League by signing veteran indoor coach Rod Miller as head coach and director of player personnel.
Last season, while still under contract with the AFL's Grand Rapids Rampage as football operations manager and assistant coach, Miller offered his services to the ThunderHawks (formerly known as the Muskegon Thunder) as a consultant. Miller's lengthy indoor resumé helped the team transition from the 7-on-7 Continental Indoor Football League to the IFL's 8-on-8 style of play.
Although Miller enjoyed his role with the franchise last season, he can't wait to begin a fresh start as the top man.
"I get to be more hands-on and involved 100 percent," said Miller from his office at the DeltaPlex Arena, the team's new playing facility. "I get to shape and assemble this team according to my vision and standards."
Miller's last head coaching job was with the Omaha Beef of United Indoor Football in 2007. That team went 8-8 including an appearance in the playoffs. The UIF converged with the Intense Football League last year to form the current IFL which now boasts over 20 teams from New York to Alaska and Michigan to Texas.
Omaha and five of its opponents in 2007 are in the new IFL. That first-hand knowledge along with Miller's work last season means he is familiar with the teams and talent levels that he and the ThunderHawks will be facing when the league kicks off it's 2010 season next March.
"I know this league very well," said Miller, whose travels have taken him to indoor cities like Greenville (South Carolina), Green Bay and Kansas City. "I know the kind of players it takes and we shouldn't have any trouble attracting those players in this market."
Miller will look for some of that talent when the ThunderHawks host their first open tryout on December 6th at MVP Sports Spot, 3701 32nd Street SE, in Kentwood from noon to 3:00 p.m. Meanwhile, he's got plenty to keep him busy.
"I'm also working on securing an experienced coaching staff," added Miller, a North Omaha, Neb., native and proud father of daughters Brianna and Marianna. "There are a few logs in the fire, but let's just say there are some good things in the works.
"I'm recruiting the best possible players to come play for us and I'm personally making sure we get the community excited and behind us."
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Indoor Football League Stories from November 11, 2009
- West Michigan Thunderhawks Name Rod Miller As Head Coach - West Michigan Thunderhawks
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