LSU AD says Miles will return as coach after week of speculation

“We love you, Les”, others said. That’s old for a college head coach. If LSU (7-3, 4-3 SEC) loses to (8-3, 4-3) on Saturday, it will be the program’s second straight 4-4 season against conference opposition.

He made the announcement following the team’s 19-7 win over Texas A&M.

The Aggies descend into Tiger Stadium.

Les Miles looked to his right, beyond a crowd of reporters to where his wife, Kathy, and their four children had been waiting anxiously for the 62-year-old coach to emerge from LSU’s locker room.

Miles’ future has been murky over the past two weeks. No, Miles hasn’t done what Nick Saban has done in Tuscaloosa; but ask a serious question: who on Earth is LSU going to find that will do better?

“It’s great to be the head coach at LSU”, Miles said.

Alleva has not made a public statement about Miles’ future employment. Let’s make one thing clear. Victory is nice, especially three weeks late. “It was hard for everybody”. For the time being, LSU has a coach. But the Tigers stiffened before Taylor Berthelot’s missed 54 yard field goal attempt, leaving the score 7-6.

Also watch post-game interviews with LSU players: RB Leonard Fournette, WR Malachi Dupre, LB Kendell Beckwith, DT Christian LaCouture, DE Lewis Neal, and OT Vadal Alexander.

Quarterback Brandon Harris continued his November regression and delivered arguably his worst performance as a starter since his first career start at Auburn last season.

LSU had been rumored to be interested in luring Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher to Baton Rouge, which triggered speculation that Miles was on shaky ground despite his 111-32 record in the last 11 seasons.

Chavis was unavailable for comment after the game but earlier in the week talked about his return, saying, “Enjoyed my time there. He’s 62. How many more years does he want to coach?”

“LSU played very well on defense”, Sumlin said, “but with six minutes to go, it’s still a six-point game”. They closed it out and we didn’t.

The guy they call “Chief” walked out with an “L”. He finished 7 of 21 for 83 yards with an interception.

Miles said he would consider changes to his staff and the offense.

The typical Les Miles staples of running the ball and relying on a fast, physical defense came through in the season finale. The chain of command starts with coach Miles. “The man is LSU football”.

“I have no idea”, said Miles, who has won two SEC titles and one national championship since becoming LSU’s coach in 2005.

Emotion and drama were heavy at Tiger Stadium.

But before they give Miles the ax, they need to make sure they have a better candidate ready to hire.

LSU added needed separation in the fourth quarter with an impressive, smash mouth drive. Maybe Miles needs to allow offensive coordinator Cam Cameron to open it up a little more, but again, without a quarterback, that’s easier said than done.

Got “my attention”, he said smiling. They chanted Miles’ name as he waved to them.

But why did it take so long for Alleva to publicly support Miles?

Les Miles’ destination is known – his home in Baton Rouge. “I agree with Joe”.

Miles took the podium and expounded on numerous topics at his postgame press conference. Miles later denied it, and so did LSU. I now know what it’s like to ride an elephant.