CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema named Ben Miller his tight ends coach today. Miller moves to Illinois after 14 seasons as an assistant coach at Air Force

"Ben is a very unique blend here at the University of Illinois." Bielema said. "He returns after a stint here as a graduate assistant and will work with our offensive staff as well as in special teams. He is from the state of Ohio and will represent us in the recruiting efforts from coast-to-coast and continue to build championship young men for us at the University of Illinois."

A 2002 Air Force Academy graduate, Miller spent the 2006 season as the offensive graduate assistant at Illinois under Ron Zook before returning to the Academy. He spent nine seasons as the running backs coach and 13 years coaching the specialists, including the last 10 as the special teams coordinator.

"I'm beyond excited to be at Illinois and part of Coach Bielema's staff," Miller said. "This is an exciting time for Illini football. I am impressed with Coach Bielema's philosophy and vision. Illinois has definitely hired the right head football coach with a proven track record in the Big Ten. My family and I are thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of one of America's top academic universities and the Illini Football program."

His nine years working with Falcon running backs was highly successful. He oversaw the progress of first-year starter Cody Getz, who rushed for 1,248 yards in 2012. Miller also coached Jacobi Owens, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2014 and 2015, while topping 3,000 yards in his career.

Miller was an all-conference offensive lineman for the Falcons, starting at left tackle as a junior and senior. After completing his collegiate career, Miller signed a contract with the Cleveland Browns, where he was used as a fullback/tight end/long snapper. In the fall of 2005, he joined the practice squad for the Philadelphia Eagles

Miller served as a graduate assistant coach at the Academy from 2002-03. He also spent one year in the ManTech Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, before transitioning to the Air Force Reserve in May of 2004. During the NFL offseason, he worked as a public affairs officer doing recruiting and public relations activities for the Air Force.

Miller is married to the former Meghan Carney. The couple has two daughters, Quinn and Keeley, and a son, Lochlan.

The Ben Miller File

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio (Lutheran High School West, Rocky River, Ohio)
Family: Wife: Meghan; Children: Quinn, Kelley, and Lochlan
Twitter: @CoachBenMiller
Education: Air Force Academy, 2002
Playing Experience:
1998-2001: Air Force (Offensive Line)
2002-03: Signed by the Cleveland Browns as a Free Agent Tight End/H-Back and placed on the Military Reserve List. Participated in OTAs and Training Camp, including preseason games while on Active Duty in the Air Force.
2004-05: Fullback/Long Snapper for the Cleveland Browns and Tight End/Long Snapper for the NFL Europe's Hamburg Sea Devils. Tight End/Fullback/Long Snapper for Philadelphia Eagles.

Coaching Career