By Michael Aynsley

Saskatchewan Roughriders fire coach Greg Marshall, offensive coordinator Doug Berry

Aug 19, 2011 | 5:50 PM

The Saskatchewan Roughriders fired head coach Greg Marshall and offensive co-ordinator Doug Berry.

It was Brendan Taman, the general manager, made the announcement and broke the news to Marshall and Berry.

“We've had discussions throughout the season and obviously the results of those discussions are the results that happened today. We were obviously very concerned with where we were going and we reached a point today where we had to make a tough decision,” Taman said .

“This was an extremely difficult decision to make especially when dealing with such quality individuals like Greg and Doug.”

Ken Miller, vice-president of football operations, steps in as head coach effective immediately.

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“This organization has men in the locker room that mean a lot to me. Regardless of the title, I have to do everything that I can possible do to help this team achieve success,” Miller said.

The tipping point came on Thursday night when the Roughriders put up only one point in the first three quarters in a 24-18 loss to Toronto.

The Roughriders are now 1-7 and in last place in the Canadian Football League.

“When circumstances come to the point where you know you're going to make a decision, it's better to make that decision and get it going, clear the air, so you can start laying the ground work and the framework on how you're going to follow up,” Miller said.

Miller said he believes despite the Riders sluggish start they have the capability to make a run to the playoffs and once again the Grey Cup.

“I'm confident that the team in this locker room is capable of playing successful winning football.”
Marshall was hired as the Riders head coach Jan. 5, while Berry was hired as the team’s offensive co-ordinator and assistant head coach in February 2008.

Miller joined the Roughriders in 2007 as the team’s offensive coordinator and was head coach from 2008 to 2010.

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