The Colonials needed to make changes on the offensive side of the ball, and they are turning to a familiar face for help. Mike Miller, an RMU alum and former coach on two occasions, has been named the new Offensive Coordinator for the program.

Miller coached at RMU twice, both times under Head Coach Joe Walton. His first stint began in 1997, and his second was in 2006. In the time between his three positions on the RMU staff, Miller gained considerable experience in the National Football League, where he served as an Offensive Assistant for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills. More notably, Miller worked for the Arizona Cardinals for several seasons, serving as a Wide Receivers coach, Passing Game Coordinator, and finally, Offensive Coordinator.

In 2008, Miller saw three of his receivers surpass 1,000 receiving yards, a feat that has only occurred five teams in NFL history. That year, the Cardinals’ offense was fourth in the league in yards, second in passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. That season culminated in an NFC West title and a trip to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Notable players Miller has helped coach include Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, two stars in the NFL with several Pro Bowl appearances between them.

Miller is tasked with fixing a Colonial offense that has not been the same since the departure of program legend Joe Walton. In the previous two season under former coordinator Darrin Hicks (who resigned following this season), the offense has put up the lowest yardage totals since 2007, 2697 and 2593 yards. The 946 rushing yards from the 2014 season were the lowest since 2006, and the 1283 passing yards from this season is the lowest total in program history. The Colonials finished last in the NEC this season in points scored per game and both passing and rushing yardage.

Fortunately for Miller, he has plenty of pieces in place to work with. Running backs Rameses Owens and Cole Blake form a dynamic on-two punch in the backfield, quarterback Mathew Barr showed real promise as a true freshman, and reigning NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyle Buss at receiver.