As Tennessee embarks on its fourth coaching search in ten years, here’s a quick look at Vols coaching candidate Les Miles.
Les Miles coaching experience (63 years old)
After a strong tenure as Oklahoma State’s head coach, Miles took over at LSU for Nick Saban and had a great run at LSU before falling out of favor. He won a national championship and compiled a 141-55 record. The Tigers also played for another national championship. Miles was an assistant for Oklahoma State, Michigan, the Dallas Cowboys and Colorado. He served a term as the Cowboys offensive coordinator.
GRT taxonomy of college football coaches: The Proven Winner, Level One – National Champion (but with a recency problem); On Hiatus
Why the Tennessee Vols might want Les Miles
Miles can coach, he knows the SEC and he can recruit his hat off. He’s one of the most beloved characters in the SEC, and if he could hire a dynamic offensive mind to help take his scheme to the next level — something that was ultimately his downfall in Baton Rouge — he could work out. He’s a fit in the studio, and Miles is great on Twitter. He wants to coach again, but will the Vols go in this direction?
Why the Tennessee Vols might not want Les Miles
The fears that his offensive scheme is antiquated were real in his latter years in Baton Rouge, but Miles is a legit great coach. He’s a gambler, and when that backfires, fans turn on him. He’s also the kind of guy who can win a press conference or wear on you with his befuddling comments. Would that be something UT wants to endure after having the King of Coachspeak and Cliches lead your team? It may wear thin.
I like this choice as he is one of the few National Champs that still could be considered for recall from the ranks of the retired. Maybe he’d reunite with Chavis? 🙂 Yes, the offense thing is tough to overlook, but that can be overcome. Plus, that man is one with the football field in a way few are.
Not my first, second, or third choice, but how many people have to tell you no before you call this guy? I just find it fascinating he’s on no one’s hot board.
There’s a lot of upside here. He knows recruiting. He’s won in the SEC. He’s available now before the early signing period. There’s not a buyout. If he got us to 10 win seasons I think we could put up with some of the craziness.