BY PERRY LEFKO
sportsnet.ca

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have thrown Montreal Alouettes' offensive coordinator Scott Milanovich into their head coaching derby.

It’s the second time in two years that Milanovich’s name has surfaced as a head coaching candidate.

Last year, the Toronto Argonauts had an interest in Milanovich, but the discussions didn’t go too far and the Alouettes immediately extended his deal.

Milanovich was apprised of the Riders’ interest when told Wednesday afternoon from Als' general manager Jim Popp.

Milanovich told sportsnet.ca that, as of late Wednesday night, he hadn't talked to the Riders' organization. Sources now tell Sportsnet that the Riders will be interviewing him on Friday. Milanovich added he really wasn’t surprised that the Riders had an interest in him.

"I had heard some rumblings earlier," he said.

Riders’ general manager Brendan Taman told Sportsnet.ca that once he has had a chance to talk to Milanovich, he plans on pursuing formal interview.

"He was next in line to talk to," Taman said. "We can only do so many at a time."

Candidates which have surfaced prominently for the Riders’ job include current offensive coordinator Doug Berry, former Edmonton head coach Richie Hall and Hamilton defensive coordinator Greg Marshall.

Similar to when his name surfaced with the Argo job, Milanovich intend to keep his interest under wraps.

"I’m not going to get into that," he said bluntly. "Once the whole thing is done – if there is a whole thing – I’ll be happy to talk to you about what happened or what went on. But if this goes any further, it will be like last year. Other than to confirm Jim called me today and told me they asked for permission, I’m not going to get into anything until the process is over."

Whoever is hired will replace Ken Miller, who gave up his post to concentrate solely on his other job as vice-president of football operations.