Charlie Mac and Les Miles

During the 5 years Les has guided our program, my emotions have run the gamut. I defended him vigorously at the beginning of his helm and it reached a peak in 2007 when he turned down the Michigan job and led us to a National Championship. I was at the game and on Bourbon street afterwards partying like crazy when Les gets out of the limo, climbs to the balcony of one of the hotels, and holds up the BCS Crystal Ball. Everyone went nuts. I can remember thinking that Saban would never have done this, and I was glad that Miles related so well to the average fan and that he was our coach.

Fast forward to last year. I was very disappointed in the record, but was willing to forgive because of the QB situation. This year I began to have more and more doubts about the coaching; specifically the numerous delay of game penalties & illegal formations. I was also extremely frustrated with the refusal to continue running the ball when successful. Make the other team STOP IT. I don't care if you call the same play 10 times in a row if it continues to work! My frustration reached a peak during the Ole Miss game. I had seen enough and knew it was time for a change. However, the Arkansas game the following week showed me a bit about Miles character and his abilty to continue to get his players to play hard. and gave me a little change of heart. I was again torn about Miles.

I like Miles as a person. He's a good man, a great recruiter, and an average, to above average coach. I know there is no way LSU will fire him this year; especially with the large buyout. I hope he turns things around next year. I would love for him to be at LSU long term and be very successful. Part of my frustration has been watching Saban turn around Alabama so quickly when I expected it would take him at least 4 years, not 2 years. I'm having many of the same feelings about Miles as I had for Charlie Mac many years ago. CM was a very good Man and was 110% faithful to LSU, but I got tired of always finishing 2nd to Alabama. I was ready for a change, but once change was made, it was a disaster. I'm leery of changing coaches because although there may be slight upside, there is also considerable downside.

I do feel however, that changes need to be made on the Offensive side of the ball. Although I was a big proponent of Crowton in 2007, I think his scheme is too complex for most college athletes, especially younger QBs. I also think Stud needs to go because the Line was terrible this year, and I can't remember a worse O Line performance in the past 10 years.

In conclusion, I hope some changes are made and I hope LSU wins the SECW next year. I hope we beat Bama and that Miles is here for many, many years. On the other hand, if we regress next year. I regretfully think we need a new head coach.

How many of you (who are old enough) think we are in a similar situation now that we were in at the end of Charlie Mac's tenure? Do you think Miles and Charlie Mac are the same type of coach (good but not great?) Also, how many of you felt badly when CM was let go?