By Canadian Press

Redblacks fill out coaching staff, add Miles as defensive co-ordinator

Dec 5, 2022 | 9:55 AM

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks have named Barron Miles as their defensive co-ordinator for the upcoming CFL season.

Miles returns to the CFL as a defensive co-ordinator after he was fired, along with head coach Khari Jones, four games into the Montreal Alouettes’ 2022 season.

The 50-year-old Miles, from Roselle, N.J., was defensive co-ordinator and defensive backs coach for the Bishop’s Gaiters during the 2022 U Sports season.

The Redblacks have filled several key roles on their coaching staff recently. Jones was named offensive co-ordinator on Saturday, a day after head coach Bob Dyce had the interim tag removed from his job title.

Miles joined the Alouettes as defensive backs and passing game co-ordinator in advance of the 2020 CFL season that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was promoted to defensive co-ordinator when the CFL returned to action in 2021.

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Miles was defensive backs and player development coach in Edmonton (2016-2019) before joining the Alouettes.

He began his coaching career as a defensive assistant with the B.C. Lions (2010-2011), and had stops as a defensive backs coach in Saskatchewan (2012-2014) and Winnipeg.

As a player, Miles was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995 before an 11-year CFL career with the Alouettes (1998-2004), and Lions (2005-2009). 

A six-time CFL all-star, Miles was the East Division’s outstanding rookie in 1998 and the league’s outstanding defensive player in 2002. 

He is tied for second all-time in interceptions (66), holds the CFL record for blocked kicks (13), and was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

“I’m very happy to have Barron join our coaching staff for next season,” Dyce said in a statement. “Having worked with and against Barron in the past, I’ve seen how he builds great relationships and communicates his vision for success with his players. I believe we will all benefit from his high energy and direct coaching style.” 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2022.

The Canadian Press