OXFORD, Mississippi — LSU athletic director Joe Alleva prepping the pink slip for LSU football coach Les Miles last week remains premature and disrespectful, but after Saturday … not so much. Alleva proved to be prophetic and smart as the Tigers looked pathetic and pitiful through the critical parts of a 38-17 loss at Ole Miss Saturday. Had Alleva and his lieutenants not gotten the word out — or let it get out — last week that Miles’ firing was imminent, the LSU Nation would be nearing full-scale mob uproar by Sunday morning demanding Miles’ firing after another dreadful performance. This game transformed the shock and awe of last week’s precocious storyline concerning Miles’ imminent removal into a more settled sense of realization that it is over and it is time to move on — whether you agree or not. Miles could be gone as early as the next few days or next week. So, in the end, give Alleva credit. He either saw this coming or realized it did not matter. The hard work appears to be over. All that may remain now is the goodbye press conference. And the critical work has already begun or has been placed in the starting gate. LSU will get an early start in a coaching search and not have to rush it. Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher is the target, but there are others. Fisher is making $5 million a year and would want more than that, and Alleva will have to pay Miles a $15 million buyout if this firing happens soon. "Difficult, but not insurmountable," is how one LSU insider explained some major spending on the horizon. Perhaps, Alleva was saving for a firing day when he raised ticket prices two years ago even though the SEC Network millions were headed his way. Fisher is under contract through 2022. He has a great job, and it is easier to win in the Atlantic Coast Conference than in the Southeastern Conference, particularly the SEC West. But it is clearly worth a try by LSU. Because of various major disciplinary issues with players over the years, including quarterback Jameis Winston, Fisher does not have the best relationship with everyone at Florida State. He may welcome a change of scenery. Sometimes coaches want to recharge with a move and a raise and a new group of fresh, more loving fans. Fisher loved his time at LSU when he was the best offensive coordinator the program ever had from 2000-04 under Coach Nick Saban and from 2005-06 under Miles and wanted to be the Tigers’ head coach. He should have been interviewed for the position when Saban left, and I said at the time he should have been offered the job. When the Florida State coach-in-waiting position opened for Fisher in 2007, he left LSU. He followed Bobby Bowden as head coach in 2010 and won the national championship in 2013 and has won three ACC titles. He would be a great hire. He would be LSU’s first truly offensive head coach. Gerry DiNardo and Miles were offensive line coaches who struggled with offense. Miles seemed as sick of his offense Saturday as any LSU fan. “We were out of sync,” he said. “Not how we practice every day certainly.” Thirteen penalties against LSU — most on offense. Fisher is among the best offensive masterminds in the country. It doesn't hurt to watch his offense. It doesn't make you ill. At 50, he’s a younger Spurrier. He’s a great personality like Miles, but much more of a tactician. Fisher will also be smart enough to keep defensive line coach Ed Orgeron and possibly running backs coach Frank Wilson, the two best recruiters on the staff. It could happen. http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/...director-joe-alleva-harsh-but-right/76164734/ ( i left the authors name off to lend the article some credibility)
People forget how CLM was always trying to leverage against LSU. He was always threatening to leave in order to get raises and extentions. I'm glad that he is being treated like he is. He thought that he was bigger than LSU and now Alleva has given him his wake up call
Miles deserves the lumps he gets for putting that shit product on the field. Sure, LSU won their cupcake schedule, but it's against the SEC West where it really matters. Not sure what's going on in that locker room, but there is no motivation or will to win. Winston, you are right.
"Lumps . . . ?" How many of you retired or plan to retire at 62 YO with $15 million retirement policy? I think Miles is a lot smarter than he appears - he is writing his own ticket, IMHO.
always?!!? in 11 years, there has been a whopping 3 times anything remotely close to this happened. and in 2007, his contract already stated he would become highest paid coach in the country if he won a National Title. so he was getting that raise with or without Michigan. and he didn't get (or even ask) for anything other than a raise for his assistants with the 2nd flirtation with Michigan. so ONCE in 11 years. not exactly what I would define as "always"
13-10 vs SEC opponents in the last 23 SEC games is all the reason we need to can his ass so quit sucking that wanker.
i'm on board the change wagon you old bastard. but that's no reason to just completely make shit just up to make him seem like a dick.
