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Report: 'Strong indications' Les Miles coaching for his job
Eight days ago, LSU was No. 2 in the playoff rankings and had the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy in running back Leonard Fournette. My how quickly things can change.
According to Scott Rabalais of The Advocate, LSU head coach Les Miles may very well be coaching for his job over the season's final two weekends:
It’s early yet, relatively speaking, and as can be expected, no one is eager to go on the record regarding Miles’ future at this point. But 25 years of covering LSU, cultivating a variety of knowledgeable sources, have led this writer to believe that there is a serious threat to Miles’ tenure here...
...But in the span of just two Saturdays, with two humbling losses to Alabama and Arkansas, the ice has thinned under Miles’ feet to the point where strong indications are that he will be coaching for his very job at Ole Miss on Saturday and the week after that against Texas A&M.
The pressure under Miles' seat in Baton Rouge started after the 2011 season when an undefeated LSU team was shut out 21-0 by Alabama in the national title game. Following the humbling loss, Miles was heavily criticized for being outcoached by Alabama head coach Nick Saban and has yet to beat the Tide since.
Concerns over the direction of the offense and the lack of a developed passing game have also haunted Miles in recent seasons.
The report indicates Miles' $15 million buyout (plus buyouts for his assistants) would make replacing the LSU coach difficult, however well-endowed supporters of the program may be willing to come up with the money to make the change.
It should be noted that not being able to secure his contract in the event of Miles' firing was reportedly a sticking point in former defensive coordinator John Chavis' departure. Chavis left for College Station soon after failing to come to an agreement. It would appear Chavis perhaps saw the writing on the wall on the Bayou.
The report suggests a 2-0 finish and a solid bowl spot would secure Miles' future for 2016. After all, a trip to the local Sugar Bowl appears likely if the Tigers finish at 9-2. Rabalais writes that a 1-1 finish makes the future of the coach's job status less clear.
Two wins from perhaps a New Year's Six Bowl and one loss from possibly being fired. Such is life in the ultra-competitive SEC.
(h/t The Advocate)
