By Drew Holtz - Bismarck Bucks Marketing and Communication
APRIL 20, 2021 BISMARCK, ND – The Bismarck Bucks announced the coaching staff that will be leading the team in the 2021 IFL Season. Head Coach Rod Miller is returning for his third season with the Bucks. Returning alongside Coach Miller are Dave Brumagen and Billy Jarvis. Cory Ross and Chris Hemphill are exciting additions to the coaching staff in 2021. In addition, The Bucks Football Operations Staff will include Dylan Eisenbarth and Jared Sutton.
Rod Miller - Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator
Rod Miller is returning to the Bucks as the Head Coach for the 3rd season. Miller is a veteran of the game with over 22 years of experience in various leagues including the IFL, AFL, AF2, and CIF. In 2016 he coached in the China Arena Football League (CAFL), and his team, the Qingdao Clipper, lost in the CAFL League Championship after the Beijing Lions knocked in a game winning field goal as time expired. In the same year Miller coached the Wichita Force to a CIF League Championship as their Defensive Coordinator. Coach Miller believes that as a football coach it is his job to improve the "whole person" not just the player. "We have the opportunity to not only help our men become better football players, but also become better fathers and better men in general. I always tell my players it's more than just football to me." Coach Miller is the proud father of 2 daughters.
Cory Ross - Assistant Head Coach & Offensive Coordinator
Cory Ross is a strong addition to the Bucks coaching staff. Prior to his arrival in Bismarck, Ross was the Head Coach of the IFL's Quad City Steamwheelers. In 2019 Coach Ross's offense in Quad City produced the IFL Offensive Player of the Year, and 2 First Team All-IFL wide receivers. Before his time as a coach, Ross had a successful collegiate career at the University of Nebraska and had professional stints in the NFL and CFL. "Adding Cory to our staff was a no-brainer. One of the best coaches in the IFL." said Coach Miller.
Dave Brumagen - Defensive Line Coach
Dave Brumagen is returning to the Bucks for his 2nd season as the Defensive Line Coach. Coach Brumagen has years of indoor coaching experience and has worked with Coach Miller previously with the Omaha Beef. "Dave is one of the best DL coaches in terms of techniques, teaching those techniques, and motivating his players. I am grateful he is here" stated Coach Miller.
Billy Jarvis - Offensive Line Coach
Billy Jarvis is returning for his 2nd year with the Bucks. Before his arrival in Bismarck, Jarvis lived in Virginia where coached and taught high school. He has experience coaching in high school, college, and arena football. Coach Jarvis has been a high school head football coach and has had success in the indoor game as a defensive coordinator, all in his home state of Virginia. "Adding another veteran coaching mind like his to this staff will be a huge benefit to our players," said coach Miller.
Chris Hemphill - Special Teams Coordinator & Community Relations Coordinator
Chris Hemphill is a new addition to the Bucks coaching staff for the 2021 season. The former Washington Huskies Defensive Back earned Academic All-American Honors. He was a 3-time indoor champion in 10 years of indoor football, and he and played for Coach Miller on the 2016 Wichita Force Championship Team. "Having a coach like Chris who has played in our defensive system, and a guy that players can relate to and learn from because of his past success in the indoor game is huge for the team." said Coach Miller.
