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Red Miller

Football WIU Office of University Relations/Athletic Communications

Western Illinois Mourns Former Football Player, Coach Red Miller

Macomb native went onto legendary career in both college football and the NFL

Red Miller (center) played and coached at Western Illinois before moving onto a legendary coaching career in the NFL.
MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois University alumnus Robert "Red" Miller, 89, who helped coach the Leathernecks' football team to an undefeated season and Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship in 1959 before going on to lead the NFL's Denver Broncos, passed away Wednesday (Sept. 27) in Denver. Services are pending.

Miller, who received his bachelor's degree in 1950 and his master's in education in 1955, was an all-state player for Macomb High School and a Leatherneck football standout. He was a three-year team captain and was named MVP in 1947, 1948 and 1949. Following his graduation from Western, Miller coached at high schools in Astoria and Canton before moving on to Carthage College. Miller coached the WIU swim team from 1957-1960 and also joined the Leathernecks' football team as an assistant coach in 1958 under Lou Saban. Miller and fellow assistant coach Joe Collier would later join Saban in the NFL.

Miller went on to coach 24 years in the NFL, first serving as the offensive coach under Saban for the Patriots in 1960. He also was an assistant with Buffalo (1962), Denver (1963-65), St. Louis (1966-70), Baltimore (1971-72) and New England (1973-76) before rejoining the Broncos as head coach in January of 1977. One year later, he led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl. 

"Today, we lost a hero in Leatherneck football history," Western Illinois head football coach Charlie Fisher said. "Coach Red Miller was a true gentleman, competitor and champion. His love for the Leathernecks was always something he spoke of. Coach MIller is forever part of the Leatherneck brotherhood and his legacy and contributions to the great game of football speak for themselves. My condolences go out to his wife Nancy and the entire Miller family."   

The Broncos reached the playoffs in each of the first three seasons of Miller's tenure as head coach. Denver went 8-8 in his fourth season in 1980, and after the team was sold, Miller went on to coach the Denver Gold of the United States Football League. After his football tenure, Miller worked in the brokerage business in Denver. 

He will become the 32nd member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame on Nov. 19 when Denver hosts the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The ceremony coincides with the 40-year anniversary of the Miller's 1977 team that finished 12-2 and won the AFC title en route to the team's first Super Bowl appearance.

"I still vividly remember playing basketball against Denver University in Denver shortly after Broncos lost the Super Bowl in 1978," said Brad Bainter, vice president for advancement and public services and former Leathernecks Basketball player. "Red walked into the gym and it was like time stood still for a bit and there wasn't a basketball game going on because of the ovation for Coach Miller.

"Red would have turned 90 on Oct. 31, and he still attended WIU alumni events in Denver and was still in demand for media interviews. We could always count on Coach for leading everyone in the room in his rousing version of the WIU Fight Song," Bainter added. "Red was a true Macomb and WIU legend, and he will be greatly missed."

Miller was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Western Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame in 1974. He also has received the Alumni Achievement Award (1973) and the Distinguished Alumni Award (1974).

"Western Illinois Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of Leatherneck great, Red Miller. As a member of our inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1974, Red left an indelible mark during his time in Macomb, and proudly represented the Leathernecks at the highest levels of professional football," said Director of Athletics Matt Tanney. "We extend our sympathies to Nan and the entire Miller family."

Miller is survived by wife, Nan, son, Steve, and stepson, Jeff. He is preceded in death by his daughter Lana.
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