dedostheibis
Senior
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2013
- Messages
- 3,218
Les Miles's tenure at LSU may be coming to an end, according to a highly ranked source involved with the decision-making process.
A decision on his future is likely to come in the very near future, with many Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) members ready to move on and start a new era in Baton Rouge. The $15 million-dollar buyout clause that is in Les Miles' contract is what many perceive as one of the bigger hang-ups in making a move.
However, TAF, the athletic program's booster club that funds a lot of the athletic programs for LSU, will not allow the buyout issue to thwart its plans, according to a high-ranking source.
TAF has been split for some time in its support for Miles, with many senior members disagreeing with the recent extension given to him two years ago. The group does not appear to be split anymore, with the vast majority of its members believing that it is time for a new coach.
According to a source, Miles met with officials last week discussing his future, and the discussion was centered on how and when the two parties would be parting ways. During the conversation, the realization that Miles's days are numbered set in with LSU's head football coach, who discussed a retirement from LSU following the 2016 season. While that is a step in the right direction for some fed up TAF members, it was not a resolution that sits well with many others, who would like to see a change made following this season.
The concerns about a retirement after 2016 are simple: he would be a lame-duck coach with minimized power within his own program. LSU has decisions to make regarding other coaching positions on the staff. Another decline in play in 2016 could further reduce LSU's status as a premier program. Recruiting would take a substantial hit, with that level of uncertainty surrounding the program.
The public perception of a buyout is a bit of a concern for TAF, although the money would be raised privately, and would not affect other programs. "The money is there," one source stated. The issue is how the public, with the budget cuts that hit the university earlier this year, will perceive it. But the fact that the foundation contributed large sums of money to the education department in an attempt to alleviate some of the school's financial burdens, and the fact that TAF and not the school will raise the money, makes this of lesser concern for ranking members.
LSU's season continues downward spiral | Vlog
LSU beat writer Jim Kleinpeter and columnist Ron Higgins break down the Tigers' loss to Ole Miss.
LSU has been vetting other coaches they may be interested in hiring as replacements, and it is apparent that the foundation wants the hire to be an established coach, not a rising star in the coaching ranks. Media outlets have mentioned many names as a possible replacement, but I am told that the group believes they can sway a highly regarded coach at another school, and are not limited to available candidates looking for employment.
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher is the main target for many foundation members. Other names tossed around include Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, TCU head coach Gary Patterson and even former NFL coach Jon Gruden.
A decision on his future is likely to come in the very near future, with many Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) members ready to move on and start a new era in Baton Rouge. The $15 million-dollar buyout clause that is in Les Miles' contract is what many perceive as one of the bigger hang-ups in making a move.
However, TAF, the athletic program's booster club that funds a lot of the athletic programs for LSU, will not allow the buyout issue to thwart its plans, according to a high-ranking source.
TAF has been split for some time in its support for Miles, with many senior members disagreeing with the recent extension given to him two years ago. The group does not appear to be split anymore, with the vast majority of its members believing that it is time for a new coach.
According to a source, Miles met with officials last week discussing his future, and the discussion was centered on how and when the two parties would be parting ways. During the conversation, the realization that Miles's days are numbered set in with LSU's head football coach, who discussed a retirement from LSU following the 2016 season. While that is a step in the right direction for some fed up TAF members, it was not a resolution that sits well with many others, who would like to see a change made following this season.
The concerns about a retirement after 2016 are simple: he would be a lame-duck coach with minimized power within his own program. LSU has decisions to make regarding other coaching positions on the staff. Another decline in play in 2016 could further reduce LSU's status as a premier program. Recruiting would take a substantial hit, with that level of uncertainty surrounding the program.
The public perception of a buyout is a bit of a concern for TAF, although the money would be raised privately, and would not affect other programs. "The money is there," one source stated. The issue is how the public, with the budget cuts that hit the university earlier this year, will perceive it. But the fact that the foundation contributed large sums of money to the education department in an attempt to alleviate some of the school's financial burdens, and the fact that TAF and not the school will raise the money, makes this of lesser concern for ranking members.
LSU's season continues downward spiral | Vlog
LSU beat writer Jim Kleinpeter and columnist Ron Higgins break down the Tigers' loss to Ole Miss.
LSU has been vetting other coaches they may be interested in hiring as replacements, and it is apparent that the foundation wants the hire to be an established coach, not a rising star in the coaching ranks. Media outlets have mentioned many names as a possible replacement, but I am told that the group believes they can sway a highly regarded coach at another school, and are not limited to available candidates looking for employment.
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher is the main target for many foundation members. Other names tossed around include Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, TCU head coach Gary Patterson and even former NFL coach Jon Gruden.
