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OLD THREAD Miles:"If things work out, there will be something official on Monday"

Discussion in 'The Tiger's Den' started by philter, Jan 2, 2005.

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philter Founding Member

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http://www.nola.com/lsu/t-p/football/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/110465007366750.xml

Okla. State coach poised for LSU job
University reportedly will tap Les Miles to replace Saban
Sunday, January 02, 2005
By Mike Triplett and Jim Kleinpeter
Staff writers

ORLANDO, FLA. - Oklahoma State coach Les Miles told the Tulsa World newspaper that he will be at LSU today to discuss the Tigers' head coaching vacancy.

"If things work out, there will be something official on Monday," Miles said late Saturday night after The Times-Picayune first reported earlier in the day that he was LSU's choice to succeed Nick Saban.

Miles, 51, said he spoke with LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman by phone Saturday after the Tigers' 30-25 loss to Iowa in the Capital One Bowl.

When he was asked if an offer from LSU was extended, he replied, "There was not," then paused before adding, "Not officially."

Sources said LSU had decided on Miles on Friday night and that the school was prepared to offer him a contract and announce him as its coach as early as Monday. One source said LSU was waiting until Miles had a chance to meet with new LSU Chancellor Sean O'Keefe.

Miles said he has had five conversations with LSU officials this week, including at least one face-to-face meeting in San Antonio, where he coached his team in the Alamo Bowl on Wednesday night.

Miles previously had denied reports that he interviewed for the LSU job, though sources had been saying he met with officials early in the week.

LSU officials had no comment on the coaching search Saturday, even as Louisville coach Bobby Petrino withdrew his name from consideration. The sources indicated LSU had decided on Miles before Petrino dropped out.

LSU officials also had planned to meet with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio on Friday in Florida, but the meeting never took place. After that, the school seemed ready to select Miles.

Oklahoma State officials had no comment Saturday.

Miles, who orchestrated one of the greatest turnarounds in Oklahoma State history, was one of the first coaches contacted by LSU after Saban announced last Saturday that he was leaving to coach the Miami Dolphins.

According to sources, Miles remained high on LSU's list throughout the week, while the school explored other possibilities, including interviews with Petrino, Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, former Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum and current LSU receivers coach Bobby Williams.

Miles recently agreed to a new contract with the Cowboys that extends through 2011 and would pay him more than $1.5 million per year. Bertman said last week that LSU would pay its next coach the appropriate "market value," depending on the coach.

The Cowboys had not gone to a bowl game for 12 straight years before Miles took over in 2001. Beginning in 2002, he led the school to three straight bowl games for the first time in school history.

During his tenure, Oklahoma State has set school records for ticket sales. Athletic Director Harry Birdwell has said fund raising has gone up 35 percent to 40 percent since Miles became head coach.

In four years at Oklahoma State, Miles has compiled a 28-21 record. His teams beat rival Oklahoma twice, and he was named Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2002.

The Cowboys (7-5) started this season fast before losing five of their last seven games, including a 33-7 loss to Ohio State in the Alamo Bowl.

Miles is an offensive-minded coach who calls most of the offensive plays. His current offensive coordinator, Mike Gundy, would be the front-runner to replace him as the Cowboys' next coach. Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Bill Clay would be one of several likely candidates to join Miles should he leave.

Miles previously has worked as a tight ends coach with the Dallas Cowboys, as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State and as an offensive line coach at his alma mater, Michigan.

It has long been believed that Miles' next coaching stop would be at Michigan, where he played and coached under former Wolverines coach Bo Schembechler.

Miles told the Tulsa World on Saturday that the past few weeks have been wearing on him.

"This is difficult," Miles said. "This is a place that has been so important to me and my family."
Click to expand...

philter, Jan 2, 2005

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saltyone So Mote It Be

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I will believe it when I see it.

saltyone, Jan 2, 2005

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KTeamLSU Founding Member

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I don't like the part about Clay...

KTeamLSU, Jan 2, 2005

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philter Founding Member

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I'm the king of skepticism, but when the guy says he's been unofficially offered the job, and is quoted in a paper...well then he's been offered the job. I would not expect Skip to retract that offer since he seems to be an honorable man.

What is disappointing is the article says they pretty much settled for Miles when the Del Rio interview didn't go as planned. I surely think they could have waited to see what his playoff fate would be - who knows, they may lose and he may want out. But they know more about it than I do, perhaps they got word JDR had zero interest.

philter, Jan 2, 2005

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saltyone So Mote It Be

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ditto

saltyone, Jan 2, 2005

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philter Founding Member

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KTeamLSU said:

I don't like the part about Clay...
Click to expand...

That is frightening...he might as well bring his own rope if he wants to bring Clay with him.

Many fans would give him a chance, even if they don't like him....but if he brings one of the worst DC's in the BCS with him - uhh...that is not going to fly.

philter, Jan 2, 2005

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KTeamLSU Founding Member

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Also through the grapevine (unconfirmed rumor), if Clay doesn't get the nod, Miles may go with Karl Dunbar, who was looked over by Saban when hiring Muschamp. He was DL coach at OSU under Miles in 02 and 03

KTeamLSU, Jan 2, 2005

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saltyone So Mote It Be

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Kteam,

Don't you ever sleep?

saltyone, Jan 2, 2005

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Not a whole lot... I average about 3 hrs a night... Im a law student if you didn't know... sleep isn't that important.

KTeamLSU, Jan 2, 2005

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saltyone So Mote It Be

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Highly overrated.

I can't buy into this Miles talk yet. Last week everybody would have bet the farm on Petrino. Until someone puts on a LSU hat it's all still just speculation.

saltyone, Jan 2, 2005

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