Curt Cignetti’s Staff Profiles: Running Backs Coach John Miller

Written by Ethan Roberts

As of Wednesday, Curt Cignetti’s staff is official and formally announced to the public (though the deals had been reported prior to today). One of these new faces to the staff will be John Miller, the running backs coach, replacing Craig Johnson.

Miller was a former player under Coach Cignetti at James Madison from 2014-2017. He transitioned to coach working primarily with running backs. He spent time with three different programs as a quality control coach before rejoining the Dukes as a running backs coach in 2021. James Madison ranked 91st in the country in rushing yards per game last season with 132.5 yards per game. 

Miller has already made notable talent acquisition contributions for the Hoosiers. The Hoosiers picked up a running back transfer in former Wake Forest product Justice Ellison on Nov 28. According 247Sports, Ellison is the 16th ranked running back in the transfer portal. Ellison rushed for 548 yards last season on 4.6 yards per carry. Ellison is slated to join the Hoosiers as a redshirt senior.

With the loss of Trent Howland in the portal to Minnesota, all eyes turn to 2023 standout Jaylin Lucas, who entered the portal Dec 6. Will the highly sought after hire try to retain the Hoosier star? 

Miller also assisted in retaining two notable running back recruits in the signing class. 3-star running back Khobie Martin (Fishers, IN) and 3-star running back Justus Savage (Fairburn, GA). Both running backs put on display a good senior season in high school. 

Hoosier Huddle will continue to cover the beginning of the Curt Cignetti era and keep you informed of any developments.