McMillen returning to coach Rush in 2012

Arena Football League legend Bob McMillen will return as head coach for the Chicago Rush in 2012, team officials announced Friday.

“Bob truly demonstrated his superb coaching skills last season,” said Gene Nudo, Rush president and general nanager. “He is eager to continue the team’s winning tradition.”

McMillen, a Naperville resident, was runner-up to Arizona head coach Kevin Guy for the AFL’s Coach of the Year award in 2011. He set a new Rush franchise record of 13 wins in a single season as rookie head coach. The former Rush FB/LB led the team to the National Conference Championship game this season and secured the Central Division Championship title. He also orchestrated a league-leading defense and the fifth-ranked rushing attack in the Arena Football League.

“It is extremely exciting to return to this phenomenal organization,” said McMillen. “I look forward to working hard again this season with the ultimate goal of returning to the playoffs and playing for the ArenaBowl championship.”

McMillen was honored as one of the 20 Greatest Players in AFL history. After becoming the AFL’s all-time rusher and winning three ArenaBowl rings with three different teams, McMillen was a position coach for the Rush during the 2008 season. In 2010, he served as assistant head coach before being promoted to head coach for the 2011 season.

McMillen is a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School, and he played college football at Illinois Benedictine in Lisle, where he was a three-time All-America selection in football.