Gary Crowton Is History at LSU: Tigers OC Takes Same Post at Maryland: Update

Gary Crowton has been met with a lot of dissatisfaction from LSU fans, especially in the last three years.  Many that criticize say the offensive coordinator has lost much of what got him the job at LSU, and that his offensive game plans are now not much more than average.

To top it off, Crowton is the QB coach.  His inability to teach the position and mechanics adequately to at least two players that came to LSU sporting 4-star ratings has left Les Miles in a poor position.

Gannett writer Glen Guilbeau first reported Gary Crowton had begun a new job search, based on information received from the American Football Coaches Association convention in Dallas.  In an interview with WWL, Guilbeau added information that Miles had already told Crowton to seek new employment.  He added that no announcement would have been immediately made because it is not procedure for Miles to publicly fire coaches.

Late Wednesday night, it was reported that Gary Crowton was contacted via text message and replied that he had not been fired, and he planned on being at LSU next season.  He also confirmed that he spoke with Maryland regarding the OC position, but did not have plans to pursue that position. 

It should be noted that Crowton said he has been on a plane, which was reason enough for him not to have received a pink slip, either quietly or publicly.

Miles' final comments yesterday indicated he really didn’t know what would happen until after this morning’s staff meeting.  Miles doesn’t like using the “f” word (fire), so if Crowton were to come back with a resignation, then Miles would be off the hook.

The final word was officially released this morning through Miles that Crowton has resigned and will accept “a similar position at another school.” 

“I appreciate all that Gary did for LSU during his four years with us,” Miles said. “Gary helped us win a lot of games over the last four years, including a national championship. He’s an outstanding coach and a man of great character.  We wish him and his family well in any of their future endeavors.”

Mile concluded his remarks with a statement that the search for Crowton’s replacement would begin immediately.

In a further update, it is confirmed now from statements made to the Baton Rouge Advocate by Crowton, contrary to remarks made yesterday, he has accepted the O.C. post at Maryland.  He reaffirmed that he was not fired or pressured to leave LSU.  It sets the questions in Baton Rouge to rest leaving only the search for a replacement.

A final observation regarding this entire debacle at LSU with the coaching staff seems in order.  You have to hand it to the university as everyone has come out smelling like a rose and the fan base is now ready to concentrate on building the program for 2011.  Excellent work gentlemen!     

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