Michigan AD Bill Martin has been given formal permission by LSU to speak with Les Miles about the Wolverines' head coaching position.
Miles, a UM grad and former assistant to the late Bo Schembechler, is in his third successful season as the head coach at LSU—but has been long-rumored to covet the the Michigan job.
With Lloyd Carr stepping aside, it seems very likely that Miles will leave Baton Rouge to head north to Ann Arbor.
Making the Wolverines' case more compelling are reports that LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini is one of two finalists for the head coaching position at Nebraska. Turner Gill, head coach at Buffalo, is the other.
It's been speculated that Pelini is LSU's top choice if Miles bolts for Michigan.
One has to assume that Pelini prefers to take the reigns in Baton Rouge—and avoid walking into a horrendous mess in Lincoln. However, it would be tough for him to pass on the Nebraska job and wait out Miles' "to stay or to go" decision.
If Miles takes time to make his move, Pelini could easily get squeezed out of both jobs. And high-profile opportunities at major programs don't come along every year.
On the flip side, with the Cornhuskers looking to make a hire soon for recruiting purposes, LSU risks losing both its head coach and defensive coordinator in a matter of days.
Without a doubt, it's an unusual situation for a program that's experienced so much success in recent years.
The Tigers are stuck in a Catch-22. They'd like to keep Miles, but if he's going to leave, they want him to do so as soon possible so they can retain Pelini.
If LSU assumes that Miles is likely headed to Michigan, their best play is to push him out the door immediately to make room for Pelini. LSU's decision to allow coach Miles to speak with Martin is probably indicative of this logic.
It's an interesting game of coaching-carousel that will likely play out in the very near future.
4 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Matt DeNicola about 1 year ago
"If LSU assumes that Miles is likely headed to Michigan, their best play is to push him out the door immediately to make room for Pelini."
Very interesting indeed. Especially considering that $1.25million "fine" for Miles that I keep reading about. But you gotta believe that these two guys realize the situation that is before them, and hopefully talk it out between themselves rather than letting anyone get screwed.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
"Make room for Pelini"? Pelini more likely will be fired from LSU at season's end rather, let alone be made head coach. Bo Pelini's defense is being criticized at LSU as only strong against weak teams.
And don't faint when Buffalo H.C. Turner Gill gets the Nebraska job. Tom Osborne was Gill's best man at his wedding. Osborne wants someone who will live out his coaching days at Nebraska (so long as he wins). Gill is a beloved quarterback and former coaching staff for the Cornhuskers.
Pelini will be working in 2008, but don't hold your breath for LSU or Nebraska.
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Nino Colla about 1 year ago
Something must be wrong with Pelini for him to not get all these jobs. It seems like he's been in the running year in and year out yet he ends up being a coordinator for a new team.
I'll believe it when I see it. I don't know if there is anything wrong with the guy as far as teams not liking him, but dang.
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Jimmy Cornell about 1 year ago
I honestly believe Les Miles to be a horrible Coach who continually wins becuase his players are talented enough to overcome his stupidity. His "gutsy" call against Auburn and his fourth down lateral against Arkansas are two great examples. I believe Michigan would be better off without Miles, and as an Auburn fan I am praying he stays in Baton Rouge, to give him ample time to ruin the LSU program once Saban's recruits finally clear out.
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