LSU Shouldn't Put Les Miles on the Heat Seat

After winning two BCS titles in the past decade, LSU fans have set the standard in Baton Rouge at national championship or bust.

But coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons (8-5 in 2008 and 9-4 in 2009), head coach Les Miles is feeling the heat from Tiger Nation.

Many Purple and Gold faithful are questioning Miles' ability to lead the abundantly talented LSU squad back to SEC supremacy and national championship contention. Others just want him fired.

I am not one of those calling for his head. I still believe Miles will return the Tigers to a national championship. Just not in 2010.

Miles has comprised a 51-15 (.773) mark in his five years in Baton Rouge, better than even his predecessor Nick Saban (.750), who led LSU to the 2003 national championship.

Miles is one of only six current FBS coaches with a BCS title on his resume. I don't think LSU and its boosters can lure any of the other national championship coaches away from their current gigs: Saban at Alabama, Florida's Urban Meyer, Texas' Mack Brown, Ohio State's Jim Tressel or Oklahoma's Bob Stoops.

Miles' contract runs through 2012. If LSU fires him, they would owe him $1.25 million for each year remaining on his contract, plus they would be spending at least $3 million a year on a new coach.

Miles continues to build one of top recruiting classes for 2011 that includes commitments from five-star OL La'El Collins and four-star recruits RB Kenny Hilliard and WR Jarvis Landry. LSU is only going to improve in the future.

Miles' penchant for unconventional play calling—which earned him the "Mad Hatter" moniker—has left some examining his style of game-management (especially after the Ole Miss debacle last year).

But it was that same eccentric decision-making that led LSU to a 34-6 (19-5 SEC) record and a BCS title in his first three seasons.

The difference between 2005-07 and 2008-09 was the quality of their quarterbacks. The steady play of JaMarcus Russell (before he became a codeine feen) and Matt Flynn was replaced with the shaky arms of Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson.

One a year of experience as a starter under their belt, expect Jefferson and Jarrett to better execute Miles' offensive scheme.

While I like that LSU fans hold Miles to such a high benchmark for success, I think it is an unrealistic one for the 2010 season.

They see Alabama missing eight defensive starters from last year's team, and Florida without Tim Tebow and think this should be their year to reclaim the SEC.

But as Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast, my friend!"

While LSU can match the Tide and Gators at the skill positions, the difference is that Alabama and Florida's new starters are experienced.

LSU has to replace seven defensive starters and a running back corps that was terrible last year with talented, but untested prospects.

Still, I see Miles leading LSU to an 11-2 record, including a Cotton Bowl victory this season.

Anything less than 10 wins this year, and I'll reconsider Miles' job security. Until then, Tiger Nation should give the "Mad Hatter" a chance to prove there is more magic, and not mercury, under his cap.