By ROBERT CESSNATexas A&M still needs a defensive coordinator, but at least whomever head coach Mike Sherman hires won't have to replace Von Miller.
A&M's first All-American in a decade announced Wednesday that he will return for his senior season.
"After careful consideration, and talking it over with my family, I have decided to forgo the 2010 NFL draft and return to Aggieland," Miller posted on Facebook. "Gig 'em ... 2010 Big 12 champs."
The deadline for underclassmen to declare is Friday.
"At the end of the day it was his decision to make," Miller's father, Von Miller Sr., said. "He's happy with it, and I'm happy for him."
On Tuesday night in College Station, Miller and his parents met with Sherman, who has been interviewing defensive coordinators to replace Joe Kines who retired after two seasons. Many believed Miller's decision to stay or go hinged on whom Sherman hired.
Miller's return will be an asset for the new coordinator, even though the Aggies ranked 105th in the country in total defense, allowing 426.3 yards per game. That effort contributed heavily to A&M's second straight losing season with the Aggies finishing at 6-7.
A&M's defense, which also lost defensive line coach Buddy Wyatt to Kansas, loses only two starters -- end Matt Moss and free safety Jordan Pugh.
"We've got most everyone coming back on defense, and I think we have some good recruits coming in," Miller said in a statement released from his home in DeSoto through A&M. "I have confidence in Coach Sherman, and I know we will have a great defensive staff. I am looking forward to having a good year."
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Miller blossomed into an All-American last season by leading the nation in sacks with 17, just three off the school record held by Jacob Green. Miller had 3 1/2 sacks as a sophomore linebacker but was moved to the hybrid position of defensive end/linebacker where he primarily rushed the quarterback. He finished last season with 48 tackles, 21 1/2 of them for losses.
Miller was projected to be a second- or third-round draft pick by nfldraftbible.com if he had opted to come out this spring.
"This is just Von's third year since he played as a true freshman, so he is still young by NFL standards," Sherman said. "I believe he has a chance to make more improvement and increase his standing in the eyes of the NFL scouts. Von should be a preseason All-America candidate and has a chance for other honors and will definitely help our overall team."
More than 45 underclassmen already have declared for the upcoming draft.
"I appreciate Coach Sherman assisting me in gathering information and allowing me and my family a chance to make this decision," Miller said. "After careful consideration, I feel it is in my best interest to come back. It is important to me and my family to earn my degree from Texas A&M, and this will put me much closer to that goal. I can't leave A&M right now."
Miller's decision bucks a recent trend for Aggies.
Last year, running back Mike Goodson opted not to return and was drafted in the fourth round by Carolina. Two years ago, tight end Martellus Bennett left early and was drafted in the second round by Dallas.
Sherman benefited as head coach of the Green Bay Packers when A&M wide receiver Robert Ferguson left a year early for the 2001 draft.
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NOTES -- Boise State's Justin Wilcox and Air Force's Tim DeRuyter are believed to be the front-runners to replace Kines.
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