Michigan State University Athletics
Miller Appointed MSU's Defensive Coordinator
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
February 18, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Bill Miller, who served as defensive coordinator at Miami-Fla. the last four years, has been appointed to the same position at Michigan State, head coach Nick Saban announced Thursday. Miller replaces Todd Grantham, who resigned earlier this week to become defensive line coach for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
The 42-year-old Miller helped Miami-Fla. to a combined record of 31-15 (.674) from 1995-98, including back-to-back Big East Conference co-championships (1995-96) and two bowl victories (1996 Carquest, 31-21, over Virginia and '98 Micron PC, 46-23, over N.C. State). Last year, the Hurricanes produced a 9-3 record overall, including a 5-1 mark in Big East play, good for a share of second place, and finished No. 20 in the final Associated Press poll and No. 21 in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll. His '98 defensive unit ranked second in the Big East in rushing defense, allowing only 135.6 yards per game. In '97, the Hurricanes led the Big East in pass defense, permitting 177.3 yards per game.
In his first three years at Miami, Miller helped develop eight NFL Draft picks, including four first-round selections, in Kenny Holmes, Kenard Lang, Ray Lewis and Duane Starks.
"Were fortunate to attract a talented coach like Bill Miller," Saban said. "He has 13 years experience as a defensive coordinator, and he's been successful everywhere he's been a coach. Bill will be a very positive addition to our coaching staff."
"Im excited about being back in the Big Ten and being part of the Michigan State football program," Miller said. "While at Minnesota, I recruited against Michigan State so I'm well aware of the Spartans' football history. I have a number of friends in this profession who have coached at Michigan State and they all loved the experience. This is a great place to live and coach.
"Nick Saban has a great reputation as a defensive coach and I look forward to working with him and developing even more as a defensive coach. This is a great opportunity for me to learn and contribute. I think this will be a good marriage."
A native of Hutchinson, Kan., Miller previously spent six seasons as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under Pat Jones at Oklahoma State (1989-94). He coached the defensive backs under John Gutekunst at Minnesota from 1986-88. During the 1986 season, Minnesota upset top-ranked Michigan, 20-17, and earned a trip to the Liberty Bowl.
Miller served as defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Nevada-Reno from 1983-85, where he helped the Wolf Pack to two Big Sky Conference titles (1983 and '85). Twice during his tenure at Nevada-Reno, the Wolf Pack led the Big Sky in total defense. His '83 unit led the nation in turnover margin and ranked third nationally in total defense.
He spent two years as the defensive secondary coach at Drake from 1981-82, where in his first season, the Bulldogs went 10-1 and earned a share of the Missouri Valley Conference crown. Miller began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma State (1979-80) and his alma mater, Texas-Arlington (1978).
Miller was a two-year starter at strong safety at Texas-Arlington after transferring from Hutchinson (Kan.) Junior College. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Texas-Arlington in 1978.
Married to the former Lisa Swanson of St. Paul, Minn., Miller and his wife have two children, Cole (8) and Jackson (5).
