Mitchell Blair
Riderville.com

REGINA -- Brendan Taman and Ken Miller need to place an order for new business cards. That’s because their roles within the organization of the Saskatchewan Roughriders have increased effective immediately.

In a move that doesn’t surprise many; the Saskatoon born Taman takes over as General Manager of the club succeeding Eric Tillman who resigned earlier this month. Taman had returned to the team in June of 2009 after stints with Ottawa, B.C. and Winnipeg to become the Riders Director of Football Administration.

In a move that has to be considered a surprise, Miller becomes Taman’s boss. He is taking on the role of Vice President of Football Operations. Miller will remain the coach of the team through at least the 2010 season before deciding what path to take in 2011 and beyond.

As he takes over the general manager’s chair, the 43 year old Taman says he is two thirds of the way to achieving a lifelong goal.

“I’ve had three dreams,” Taman told Regina reporters on Thursday. ”One was to rub elbows with Ron Lancaster and George Reed, one was to become the general manager of the Riders and one is to win a Grey Cup. I’ve now gotten the first two, and I firmly believe I will get the third as well.”

Taman had been wooed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to take a similar position with them but he rejected that offer to stay in Saskatchewan. He says a big reason for that is the fact that he will work with Miller.

“There’s no question Kenny was a big factor in this decision for me to be here,” Taman said. “It was a huge selling card for me and it swayed the table to Saskatchewan and made the decision between this team and the Bombers an easy one.”

Taman is also fine with having Miller serve as his boss.

“I have no problem whatsoever with this,” Taman insisted. “Kenny and I worked together for six months, and we will continue to work together. I’m not a guy who is concerned about titles or roles. We will be fine and this organization will run like a top.”

As for Miller, the 68 year old is excited at adding the duty of Vice President of Football Operations to that of Head Coach. He is also excited at working with Taman.

“I think this is a win-win for us,” Miller said. “Working with Brendan will make our decision making process superior. We had a close working relationship last year and this position will allow me to do things that I have strengths in with Brendan doing things that he is strong at. As for being head coach, I said the other day I’ll have to step back and evaluate how I feel at the end of this season at a variety of levels and make a good decision for everyone concerned as to what my status in that area will be.”

Rider President and CEO Jim Hopson admits choosing Taman was easy because of the relationship that he and Miller have formed over the last six months.

“Brendan and Ken have a great relationship. They worked extremely well together last year.” Hopson said. “Brendan has a burning desire to win a Grey Cup. He knows the bar has been raised here and that being competitive isn’t good enough anymore. He understands the team and he understands the province being born and raised here. He will be a nice fit.”

NOTES: Miller announced the team is in need of a new offensive line coach. After one year in Saskatchewan, Bob Wylie is moving on to become the offensive line coach of the NFL’s Denver Broncos