July 9, 2007
Les Miles to be next Michigan coach?
Is LSU head coach Les Miles the next Michigan coach? Jim Carty of the Ann Arbor News suggests that the former Michigan player and assistant coach could be the go-to man if/when Lloyd Carr retires.
My opinion is that Les Miles will certainly get an interview (assuming he wants one), and has a better chance than most candidates to get the job.Miles has the resume - having thrived at both Oklahoma State and LSU - plus he's charismatic and is typically given rave reviews by former players, assistant coaches, and the people he's worked for. You add those qualities to top-notch recruiting, a stint in the NFL and his Michigan ties (former player and assistant coach), and there's a lot to like.
As The Wizard of Odds points out, Michigan reworked Carr's contract last year amid rumors that Carr plans to retire at the end of this year.
Carty has previously addressed the relationship between Miles and former UM coach Bo Schembechler, which is generally seen as a bellweather for potential UM candidates.
There are still rumors kicking around that Schembechler and Miles had grown apart in recent years over some LSU vs. Michigan recruiting nonsense, but both men dismissed that in separate conversations about their relationship last July. Bo said he watched every game Miles coached in his first season at LSU; Miles talked about how he still called his old coach for advice.If Schembechler were alive, my guess is he'd be growling at anyone who criticized Miles for having the guts to tell a hard truth.
Miles came into LSU at a tough time, as many Tiger fans were burned by the departure of Nick Saban. While Miles hasn't had Saban's success, you get the feeling that LSU fans are warming up to Miles. In my mind, there is some doubt that Miles would even pursue the Michigan job (if it came open) because he has the workings of a really good stint going at LSU, so the question might be moot.
What do y'all think? Would Miles want to "go home" and coach at Michigan? Would he be a candidate? Do rumors like this change LSU fans perception of Miles, given the Saban debacle?
Hat Tip: Da Wiz
Comments:
lsufan said:
posted on July 9, 2007 12:05 PM — 65.218.172.126 — link — abuse?
maybe.
yes.
no; saban announced he was leaving on christmas day ... for money. if miles were to leave it would be to coach at his alma matar; completely different, and i doubt he would wait until x-mas day to announce his departure.
c-dogg said:
posted on July 9, 2007 12:12 PM — 76.188.144.228 — link — abuse?
If this happens it would be great for Coach Miles. He has a better chance of getting to a national title game with Michigan than with LSU. Just ask Ohio State and that easy road they took in the Big Ten....only to get destroyed by Florida.
Diggs the Mountie said:
posted on July 9, 2007 2:26 PM — 76.21.147.86 — link — abuse?
Whatever he decides to do is justified by me......I mean if he does take the UM job???? you really can't blame him for it. Who wouldn't want a job at their Alma Matter?
It's kinda like the Bob Huggins deal with us........he turned K States BB program around in 1 year and had the #1 recruiting class in America.........but when we came calling after Beilein bolted.......the opportunity was just too good to pass up for Bob. It was his dream job......can't fault a guy for that. Just as you really couldn't fault Miles "if" it happens.
However, on the other hand LSU fans would be justified for venting their frustrations........
AU03 said:
posted on July 9, 2007 2:55 PM — 205.255.224.10 — link — abuse?
"Then again, he doesn't have anything else to prove at LSU."
He hasn't even won an SEC title, much less a NC, how could he have nothing left to prove? He's had two good seasons, yes, but other than good records, he really hasn't accomplished much there at all.
Zac said:
posted on July 9, 2007 3:12 PM — 65.31.230.72 — link — abuse?
I recall a thread some time back involving Greg Schiano possibly going back to Miami. The prevailing attitude among the bloggers was he'd probably go. What with the beautiful FL sun, a storied program with a great deal of success over the past 25 years (including a number of NC's), as compared with life in NJ & Rutgers, what was there not to like in replacing Coker? Instead, he surprised everyone and stayed in Jersey.
Arguably, you have the same scenario here. Except, in this case, Les Miles is already at the place where it's fun-in-the-sun, Mardi Gras, Gulf fishing, not to mention LSU and it's recent success, including an NC. Yet, here we are speculating he'd leave that for a more northern climate. Odd as it may sound, I can see where this may happen. He's a MI grad; he's likely a Wolverine at heart. This could be a case where blood is thicker than water; he might opt to go, if interviewed and offered the job that is.
The question remaining, however, given the big business college football has become, is this: Where's the advantage to him leaving LSU for MI? Think about it. The Big 10 (11) and the SEC are 2 of the more prestigious college football conferences. There would be no less pressure for him to bring home the Big 10 title every year, as there already is for him to take the SEC title. The same goes for NC expectations. I would imagine it's far easier to recruit kids to a consistently warm climate, not to mention the annual festivities, than it would be to recruit them to a much colder climate where the only thing you can really offer is they'll be playing in front of a much larger crowd.
If & when Carr retires, the MI job may be Miles' to loose. The only thing that can be certain is, if he's offered the job and goes, everyone will know it's because that's where his heart is. If he stays, his reasons will be his and his alone. Which is the way it should be. Just a thought.
gatorstud said:
posted on July 9, 2007 3:42 PM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
wouldn't it be interesting if he went to mich. state instead of U of M........then we could really compare him to saban.....oh, i'm sorry... if forgot..in the land of the crimson tide...."no-one compares to saban"...lol....
i don't understand why he would want to leave the sec for the big ten...very similar conferences as far as teams beating the hell out of other teams and an everlasting argument of who is best in the conference.....seems like he gets enough of that at lsu.....i say stay put.......
go gators...and hokies
BayouBengal said:
posted on July 9, 2007 5:29 PM — 72.149.254.106 — link — abuse?
Les ain't going anywhere unless he wins the natn'l chmpnshp this season, and he may not even leave if he does that.
I'm a local here in Louisiana, and never miss a home game! When the LSU faithful are loving you (which they do love Les now) you are simply God, and worshiped as God also!!!! It doesn't get ant better than that.....
Geaux TIGERS!
SEMINOLE_NATION said:
posted on July 9, 2007 6:51 PM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
I can't believe people are questioning why he'd want to go to Michigan... unreal.
Michigan has much more history and tradition then LSU (not saying LSU doesnt but, c'mon Michigan's history is RICH). Michigan plays in the largest stadium in the land. Michigan has just as much money as anyone to make your pay check fat. Michigan also has two of the premier rivalries in CF (ND, OSU). Michigan is a bigger hype machine for Heisman and NC candidates and rankings. The Big 10 is a greatly respect conference (other then by the SEC) and you'll easily be in national contention every year. Recruiting? I haven't seen a shortage of talent at OSU or Michigan. Not to mention, he played his CF @ Michigan.
To me Michigan is a VERY attractive job - especially if you were a player there.
What's so hard to figure out about this? lol
Bill said:
posted on July 9, 2007 7:28 PM — 216.47.223.221 — link — abuse?
This is a simple question to answer , Miles would leave LSU in a heart beat . If he's offered the Michigan job . When your the head coach at Michigan , you have that job for as long as you wish to keep it , but not so in the SEC .
TrojanHorse said:
posted on July 9, 2007 7:44 PM — 132.228.195.206 — link — abuse?
wow, this would be perfect..
the opportunity for the Trojans to pound Less in his own back yard and then on a regular basis in the Rose Bowl
After the way the idiot yaps about SC's schedule, that will be justice served
TigerbandCJP said:
posted on July 9, 2007 7:58 PM — 70.182.43.15 — link — abuse?
Miles is the real deal and Michigan should interview when Carr is let go and let's face it...it is just a matter of when. It doesn't matter how good Carr does, unless he wins a national title or starts beating Ohio State year after year, the fans will keep calling for his head.
As for Miles' contact I do believe he has a clause that would allow him to leave LSU for Michigan only.
For our sake, I certainly hope he stays. He's far proven his worth and in my opinion is a much better coach than Saban. Two 11 win seasons in a row to start a career and a handful of top 5 recruiting classes is not easy to do. I don't care if he did inherit a good team, he also inherited a team in somewhat turmoil over Saban's antics (yes many of the players were ready to quit over his attitude). And talent alone doesn't win 11 games...otherwise Notre Dame, Tennessee, Florida, and schools that recruit well every year would always record double-digit wins.
Seminole_Nation--I'm with you for all the Michigan praise except LSU is unique in that it doesn't have another major school in Louisiana to share the limelight/recruiting, etc... And once you've got a good thing going, it's hard to leave. Michigan has just as much money, prestige, etc... but here in Louisiana Miles would literally be elected govenor if he wanted...the fans in the south are second to no one.
jessi said:
posted on July 10, 2007 12:03 AM — 74.211.44.55 — link — abuse?
Les Miles hasnt accomplished anything?? I'm sorry folks but I am tired of all these Johnny Come Lately Fans. If a coach goes even 8-3 in a major conference I say good job. A coach does not have to win the National Championship every year to be considered successful in my opinion. Okay lets take Tennessee's own FAT PHIL. He is successful pretty much year in and year out if you like him or not. Even though I think the game may have outgrown him in the past few years, I still have no gripes about him being UT's coach. Nobody used to have gripes about it until they won a NC, and since then they want one every year. It makes me sick. It isnt accepting mediocrity, its coming to the realization that these guys play some of the best teams in the nation year in and year out. So to whine and cry about 2 losses would make me a flaky fan in my opinion. Well anyways good job Les Miles. You came to the SEC and proved you can win. If Michigan opens up follow your heart whichever way that is. Well I'm done with my rants have a great day.
bhelmLSU said:
posted on July 10, 2007 1:02 AM — 72.207.216.94 — link — abuse?
Miles does not have a clause in his contract concerning UM. He had one before they restructured his contract after the spanking of ND. It was a larger buyout if he left for UM.
As an LSU fan I would understand his reasons for leaving if he did so. It would only be because it is his dream job. But I am not too worried about it. He is a great coach and really getting confortable in Baton Rouge. The SEC is the SEC, he is recruiting nicely in the hotbed, flagship school of the state, and the program is still on the rise.
I think it would be pretty hard to leave the talent he has accumulated for the next few years. If you are not getting kicked out of the SEC, coaches rarely leave for any other college coaching job.
Geaux Tigers
posted on July 10, 2007 12:48 PM — 152.163.100.70 — link — abuse?War Eagle Atlanta said:
The Source: Enjoy this summer on fanblogs.com. Because this is the only time that you can rest on Saban's laurels that were minted in Baton Rouge. After this coming season, the only thing that will count will be Nick's record at Tuscaloosa Vo-Tech.
Tubbs will win that national title. Just you wait and see! Until that moment, though, you'll just keep beating you!
AU03 said:
posted on July 10, 2007 1:30 PM — 205.255.224.10 — link — abuse?
"The Source," you either completely misunderstood me, or you're trolling, one or the other- I'm betting on the latter, due to nature of your vitriol- I mean “post,” although I’ll humor you with a response nonetheless-
Poster #1 said Les has nothing more to prove at LSU; I’m saying yes he does, since LSU fans want championships, and all he's won is a divisional SEC crown. This will be a very pivotal year for LSU- if he doesn’t win the West Division (which most media publications are treating LSU winning it as inevitable), look for a bunch of pissed off people in Louisiana calling for his head.
And you're right about Tommy, he hasn't won a NC, and only one SEC title (one more confence title than Miles, BTW). In fact, I think that's why he's staying at Auburn- HE STILL HAS SOMETHING TO PROVE!
I won't even address your labeling of my alma mater- it speaks volumes about you.
And Diggs, it IS a hard decision- I think that's what SEMINOLE_NATION was saying, and I agree with him if he was. Michigan is as storied of a program as there is in college football, and Miles would be a fool not to consider that position if it were offered to him, as I'm sure he would consider it if it were.
LSU is a great place to coach, too- Louisiana has historically been one of the best states for football talent, and being the only BCS school in Louisiana helps a lot, too, by way of decreased competition for recruits. It seems as others on this thread had the mentality of, "Why the hell would Les want to go to Michigan?” which I think is a foolish view, considering Michigan's place among the college football elite. Then again, Urban Meyer turned down ND, but there are other factors at play there.
posted on July 10, 2007 5:32 PM — 152.163.100.70 — link — abuse?
Correction in #24: Last sentence should read: Until that moment, WE'LL just keep beating you (Bama) Didn't want 'The Source' thinking that he's beating himself! Not after the way he just got retorted by AU03, anyway....
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on July 12, 2007 1:18 PM — 138.163.0.41 — link — abuse?
Whether he has overachieved, or underachieved is still to be determined. His first year is too debatable given the circumstances, and his second year is also debatable given the road schedule. While he didn't win championships, he still managed to lose only two games each season faced with the worste possible situation to be given even with all the talent. Let's see what happens this year.
SEMINOLE_NATION said:
posted on July 13, 2007 8:32 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?
Eye of the Tiger #29:
I'm just curious. I personally don't have anything against Miles and given the circumstances of using someone else's players (disadvantage IMO), Hurricane Katrina, and the schedules I think he's done a great job thus far.
What I'm curious about though is your opinion IF (big IF because I have them as a top 3 NC contender) LSU has another repeat year of last year? Lets take the bowl out of the equation. Lets say LSU goes 10-2 in the regular season and finishes 2nd in the SEC West? What then? Or, lets say LSU goes 11-1 in the regular season, goes to the SEC Champ game, and loses the SEC Champ game?
Basically, considering the talent at LSU, the circumstances are more favorable, and the schedule is winnable - what's acceptable for LSU fans this year?
Eye of the Tiger said:
posted on July 13, 2007 1:16 PM — 138.163.0.42 — link — abuse?
The expectations for the fans is definitely a NC appearance. He's at his best advantage he's ever been in (schedule wise) and he still has loads of talent. My thinking is if he did that well the past few years given those circumstances, then the Tigers should be hammering people in Baton Rouge this year on the road to New Orleans. That's the expectations, but I think a SEC Championship w/ a BCS bowl would be acceptable (for some).
Paget said:
posted on July 15, 2007 4:23 AM — 66.25.112.218 — link — abuse?
I think it comes down to what Miles sees as important: competition or results. If he is the type of coach that sees the season as the challenge and believes that you are who you fight, he will stay in the SEC. If he is the type of coach that believes the game is finishing rather than playing, the clever play would be Michigan.
I may have biased that in the way I phrased it. I didn't mean to. Both are legitimate ways of looking at the game. Basically Miles has an opportunity to make a name at LSU. But the problem is he is expected to be great although he has had succes with recruits that he cannot claim as his own. He may be the best recruiter since FDR, but right now even he can not be sure. He has to realize that he can have a bad season this year and still find a good job out of the SEC. But assume he has a second bad season or worse, loses to Saban; fan questions about his ability arise. He may be looking for a job in a conference that doesn't include Spurrier, Meyers, Tubberville, Saban, Fulmer, Richt, and that running back that saved Nutts job not because he can't cut it in the SEC, but because his stock is at a high and he fears it may drop. From Baton Rouge, Michigan's Schedule looks like Mardi Gras and with the inroads that Tubberville has made in LA recruiting and the impact that one month of Saban LA recruiting had, Michigan State doesn't look like such a bad recruiting opponent. Frankly, as a career move, getting out of the SEC is a great move for anyone with the proven ability to make a BCS bowl.The Victors said:
posted on July 17, 2007 1:07 AM — 162.136.193.1 — link — abuse?
The biggest factor which will give Les an interview with Michigan is his mouth. If he can keep quite during this year, Michigan fans will welcome him. But if he keeps talking smack about the Pac 10 and Big 12, this years results good or bad will not mean a thing. Wolverine fans will not what a sh*t talker running their program. So Les for the Love of God, keep cool and we will give you the nod.
Joe said:
posted on July 19, 2007 8:25 PM — 68.225.98.141 — link — abuse?
According to the following link, Miles has to pay a $500,000 fine if he leaves LSU prior to the end of the 2011 season, or $1.25 million if he leaves LSU for Michigan.
If he leaves LSU, it's either for a bigger contract at Michigan, or in the NFL.
Please note that all comments are subject to the Fanblogs Comment Policy.
NoL3Mann4 said:
posted on July 9, 2007 11:12 AM — 68.157.249.30 — link — abuse?Being an alum there would be the only enticing thing I would see. I mean, why would you leave the SEC (which is admittedly the best conference in the country) and go to Michigan? Unless you just want to simply..."go home"
Then again, he doesn't have anything else to prove at LSU.