“I could not be more honored and excited about being chosen to take over as head coach of the Rush,” said McMillen. “As a player and assistant coach in the AFL for 15 years, I believe that there is no greater organization in the Arena Football League than the Rush. I am truly thankful for the chance to take over the reins of the Rush organization and I plan on continuing the standard of excellence that has been set here for many years to come.”

“Hiring Bob was an easy choice for the Rush organization, as he is the perfect person to lead the team,” said Rush president/GM Gene Nudo. “We are very proud to call upon one of the AFL’s all-time greats as our head coach and we expect that Bob will mold the Rush into his image – tough, hard-nosed and prepared to succeed.”

Selected as one of the 20 Greatest Players in AFL history, McMillen played 13 seasons in the Arena Football League (1995-2007), including his last five with the Rush. While wearing Rush blue, McMillen became one of the most popular players in team history, helping lead the Rush to the 2006 ArenaBowl XX title.The ArenaBowl victory was the third in McMillen’s career (Arizona 1997, San Jose 2002), making him one of only three players in AFL history to win an ArenaBowl title with three different teams.He also rewrote the Rush record book, setting single game, season and career records for rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns. Overall, he finished his career second on the AFL’s all-time rushing list with 1,508 yards and fifth all-time in rushing touchdowns with 85.McMillen retired after the 2007 season and was immediately added to the Rush coaching staff as fullbacks/linebackers coach. This season, McMillen added the title of assistant head coach to his duties.An Elmhurst native, McMillen is a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School. He played college football at Illinois Benedictine, where he was a three-time All-America selection in football.