Matt Miller a good fit as US Grant head coach

Matt Miller knows what it takes to turn around a struggling football program. He was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Little Axe, the last four years, helping the program to earn its first home playoff game in school history last fall.

Now, he faces the challenge as the head coach for US Grant High School, which has long been trying to break through in Class 6A. The Generals were 1-9 last season under coach Terrell Love, who was hired by Star Spencer.

Little Axe coach Tony Smith, who was an assistant when Miller played there, then hired Miller when he became head coach, says his former pupil has the work ethic to succeed.

“The best thing about him is that he’s young, enthusiastic and willing to learn” Smith said. “He doesn’t fear the challenge that comes with a job like that. He saw working here that you can’t be afraid in that situation and that it will take hard work to get it done.”

Miller handled a variety of roles in his four years at Little Axe, working as co-defensive coordinator and position coach for linebackers, running backs and receivers at different times.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com