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Whatever Miles said Friday to LSU boosters has caused quite a stir
The worst-kept secret in college football appears close to becoming a reality, as LSU head coach Les Miles reportedly could lose his job within the next few days.
FOX Sports college football insider Bruce Feldman said on Thursday night's FS1 pregame show ahead of the Texas Tech-Texas game that he's "heard as early as Sunday or Monday" that Miles and the Tigers could part ways. Feldman cites a source as saying Miles is expected to be let go by the school because of a great deal of dissatisfaction with the coach among Tiger boosters.
“I’ve heard as early as Sunday or Monday, Les Miles will be let go as the coach of LSU” - @BruceFeldmanCFB just now on Texas/Tech Pregame.
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) November 27, 2015
But things have taken a weird turn. Speculation about the coach's future ramped up Friday, with a flurry of conflicting reports as to what exactly Miles said or suggested at Thursday night's Gridiron Club meeting, and whether Saturday's home matchup vs. Texas A&M might indeed be his last game on the LSU sidelines. It even prompted the school to issue a statement on the matter.
According to Tiger Rag, Miles appeared resigned to the fact LSU officials have made the decision to move on:
Miles indicated to members of the Gridiron Club on Friday that Saturday’s matchup between LSU and Texas A&M would be his final game as the Tigers' head coach, sources at the meeting told Tiger Rag.
The coach appeared in good spirits, sources said, reiterating messages that he’d "always be a Tiger” and "thanks for a great 11 years," but informed the booster club's members, in an indirect but clear manner, that Friday’s meeting would be his last with them, even explicitly saying he would not be coaching LSU’s bowl game.
And USA Today's LSU beat writer seemed to confirm the same:
"Thanks for a great 11 years," -Les Miles tells booster group Friday that Saturday's game his last at LSU. Story: https://t.co/GBvYNxttoy
— Glenn Guilbeau (@LSUBeatTweet) November 27, 2015
The Times Picayune in New Orleans also said as much in its Friday headline, but then hedged a bit in its opening few paragraphs:
Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate, however, disputed that Miles indicated Saturday would be his final game with the team:
LSU then weighed in with a strongly worded statement that we're sure will remove all the speculation (for the next few hours):
So whatever Miles told these boosters was enough for some outlets to post adamant reports that he had admitted he was done at the school, yet also sparked adamant denials from other sources and the school itself.
To be fair, it's not always easy to understand what Miles is talking about.
Entering the A&M game, Miles' career winning percentage is .775 at the school, and he has a 110-32 record in the Bayou. The Tigers won two SEC championships, one national title (2007) and had another national title game appearance (2011) in Miles' tenure with the program.
Reports are completely false that Miles said he is stepping down. @DellengerAdv with a story online shortly. https://t.co/sRlyvU3Szl
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 27, 2015
Two sources who spoke directly to Les Miles say he in no way indicated today that this would be his last game. "Heck no," Miles said #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) November 27, 2015
Les Miles, unsure of his future, expressed that to Gridiron members, telling them thanks for everything if #LSU decides to part ways.
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) November 27, 2015
As we've reported, #LSU AD Joe Alleva has still told Miles nothing about his job status.
— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) November 27, 2015
(h/t Tiger Rag, The Times Picayune, The Advocate, SEC Country)
Contrary to media reports, #LSU coach Les Miles has not resigned nor did he indicate he was resigning when speaking to booster group today.
— LSU Football (@LSUfball) November 27, 2015
