Highland fires Miller after 5 seasons

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Eric Miller knew what he was getting into when he took over the Highland football program in 2004.

He knew it would take plenty of time and effort to turn things around. After all, the Trojans hadn't won a sectional since 1987 -- and still haven't.

But five-plus years into his tenure, he didn't know he was in serious danger of losing his job. And neither did his players.

"They're pretty much still shocked," Miller said Tuesday. "A lot of them were upset. They didn't expect it."

Miller said athletic director Mike Urban, who declined comment for this story, called him into his office last Wednesday to deliver the news that Miller had been fired. After school Monday, Miller met with his players one last time.

"Of course I'm disappointed," Miller said. "I put every ounce of energy into that program."

Miller, a 1991 Whiting and 1996 Valparaiso University graduate, started at Highland as a volunteer assistant in 2001 and became the defensive coordinator in 2002. In 2004, he took the head job when Steve Edwards stepped down.

Miller was 14-40 during his five years at the helm. The Trojans went 0-10 this season and 1-10 last season.

"I never was told, 'Win this amount of games or you're done,' or anything like that," Miller said.

Miller acknowledged it might not have always shown in the win column, but he believes progress was made during his tenure.

"I think we've grown our character, I think we've grown academically, teaching kids to do what's right, keeping them out of trouble, things like that," Miller said. "Have we struggled? Yes, but you look at the conference we play in and you look at the records of the teams and you tell me. We don't play very many creampuffs, I know that."

Miller said he will still teach physical education at Highland. But he's not sure whether he'll try to get back into coaching.

"I have no idea what I'm going to do," Miller said. "I'm not going to make any decision right now. I'll sit back and think about it and go from there."

Contact David Robb at drobb@post-trib.com or 648-3122