Riders promote Taman, reward Miller
The Saskatchewan Roughriders named Brendan Taman their new general manager Thursday.
The CFL club also announced that head coach Ken Miller will also have the title of vice-president of football operations.
"Brendan's experience and knowledge of the CFL made him the perfect fit for this position," Riders president Jim Hopson said in a statement. "Brendan has a long track record of bringing tremendous talent into this league and we look forward to him continuing in that role with the organization where he started."
Taman replaces Eric Tillman, who resigned from the post earlier this month upon receiving a full discharge after pleading guilty to sexual assault.
Taman, 43, a Saskatoon native, has previous experience as a CFL general manager with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers but left the club following the 2008 season. He has also worked previously with B.C. and Ottawa and served as a player-personnel assistant with the Riders.
He re-joined the Roughriders this season as the club's director of football operations.
Taking over
"Taking over as the general manager of a team I grew up watching is a dream come true," said Taman.
"The passion and dedication this province has towards this team makes it a special place for everyone involved. We have a very talented team and coaching staff and I look forward to working with Ken Miller on continuing this success."
Hopson said Miller will remain as the Riders head coach through the 2010 season but will also oversee the football operations department. Miller will work closely with Taman on scouting, recruiting, drafting, salary cap and all other facets of the football operations department.
"I am very pleased that we were able to promote Ken into this role," Hopson said. "Ken has a wealth of football knowledge and has played a major role in our success over the past few years."
Miller is entering his third season as Riders head coach. He joined the club as its offensive co-ordinator in 2007 and instrumental in orchestrating an offence that led the CFL in touchdowns and eventually won the Grey Cup.
Miller led the Riders to a berth in the '09 CFL title game, losing 28-27 to Montreal.
"I am very grateful for this opportunity," said Miller. "We have enjoyed our three years in Saskatchewan immensely and look forward to continuing it.
"This is a first-class organization with a very strong compliment of players and coaches. I believe we have all the pieces in place to be successful for years to come."