I think a few of these universities need to see the big picture, and truly learn to appreciate the coaches and programs they have.
Despite having a top 10 program year-in and year-out, LSU head coach Les Miles is reportedly on the hot seat, so bad that he’s reportedly coaching for his job over these next two weeks against Ole Miss and Texas A&M reports Brian Jones of CBS Sports.
Les Miles is on the seat, LSU has reached out to Jimbo Fisher as a possible replacement, there is only a 50/50 chance that Charlie Strong returns to Texas next season and the Longhorns intend to once again go after Nick Saban.
First things first. Jones heard that Miles is “coaching for his job,” as the school is “really unhappy” with his recent performances and is “wanting a coaching overhaul.” LSU has not beaten Alabama since 2011 and has been pushed around by Arkansas two years in a row.
“It’s very real,” Jones said of the Miles hot-seat rumors. “It was leaked. Only four or five people are aware of what’s going on with Les Miles at LSU. It was put out there on purpose, the fact that he’s in trouble.”
The Advocate analyzed Miles job status as well, coming up with scenarios that could see him staying — albeit staff changes — or being fired altogether.
1. LSU wins out to go 9-2: If this happens Miles is clearly safe until 2016, though a staff change or two could be in the offing along with a mandate to win more next season. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, whose offense has ground to a crawl the past two weeks, and special teams coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto, whose units have been riddled by kick coverage breakdowns all season, will still be under fire.
LSU loses out to go 7-4. There is little chance Miles would be allowed to return if a four-game losing streak drops his team to 4-4 in Southeastern Conference play for the second straight year. That would make LSU 13-11 in SEC play the past three years and a combined 2-7 against Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
3. LSU splits to go 8-3. This is your classic gray area. Miles’ fate would depend on how these next two games go. If the Tigers lose big at Ole Miss, something resembling their 31-14 loss Saturday to Arkansas, and squeak by Texas A&M, it will be tough for Miles, though not impossible. If LSU loses Saturday because Ole Miss drives for a late field goal, like in the 2013 game in Oxford, then hammers Texas A&M by a couple of touchdowns, Miles’ outlook improves considerably. If LSU beats Ole Miss and loses to A&M, it’s also hard to say, but last impressions are big ones.
LSU would owe Miles between $12.5M and $15M in a buyout if a buyout were to happen, and what about Miles’ record of 110-31 since 2005 and a national title?
Be careful what you wish for.