He terrorized quarterbacks in the Canadian Football League for 12 seasons as one of the league's most dangerous defensive backs.
Barron Miles of the BC Lions, one of the CFL's most gifted defensive players, has decided to retire from professional football.
But, Miles is not going far from the Lions den as he will take his on-field knowledge to the Lions sidelines as the Leos defensive backs coach.
"I am very pleased to have Barron join the Lions coaching staff for the 2010 season as well as adding his talents to our scouting department," Lions GM and head coach Wally Buono said in a statement . "As of the finest defensive backs to ever play in this league, Barron's career speaks for itself and I look forward to adding his leadership to our staff."
Miles spent the last five seasons as a member of the Lions. Before that, he played seven seasons with the Montreal Alouettes.
From the moment Miles stepped on to the field in an Alouettes uniform in 1988 to when he took off his Lions uniform in his final game as a Leo in November 2009, he will be remembered as one of the game's all-time greats at the safety position.
In his rookie season, Miles displayed his abilities as a ball-hawker by winning the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie. The success he had during his rookie campaign would become a staple throughout the remainder of his career as he ranks second all-time with 66 interceptions. Miles also leaves the game with the record for most blocked kicks with 13.
In total, Miles has appeared in 189 career CFL games. He finished his final season as a Lion, receiving league all-star recognition for the sixth time in his career. He also finished in first amongst all defensive players for interceptions for the third time in his career. Miles also notched 54 tackles in 2009 which was his highest total since his rookie season.
Miles helped lead the Lions to their fifth Grey Cup victory in 2006 by defeating his former team the Montreal Alouettes.
Other coaching changes
Miles was not the only change to the Lions coaching staff on Monday.
The Leos announced that Jacques Chapdelaine would serve as the club's offensive co-ordinator in addition to being quarterbacks coach.
Dan Dorazio who served as the team's offensive co-ordinator will remain on the sidelines as the offensive line coach.
Former CFL receive Travis Moore also joins coach Wally Buono's staff as receivers coach after serving as Hamilton's running backs coach in 2009.
The Lions also announced that defensive co-ordinator and linebackers coach Mike Benevides and secndary coach Mark Washington will return for their third seasons in their current roles. Chuck McMann returns as special teams co-ordinator and running backs coach for 2010.
Watch CTV News at Six tonight for a full report from CTV Sports Director Perry Solkowski
