I think one of the glaring changes in the SEC is the rise of Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, Texas AM and even to an extent Arkansas. The road to the SEC championship is won in the recruiting wars. This is where the landscape is changing rapidly and Miles knows that much!!!

#1 Recruiting

Steele by all accounts has been an "Ace" recruiter during his time at Florida State and Alabama. Miles understands LSU has lost its edge. Perception is everything and right now, LSU needs a closer on the recruiting trail. Chavis was good at working the recruits once they arrived on campus but with Steele we get "added value". The program is coming off an 8-5 record with doubt circulating around the health of the program, even before Chavis bolted. Les Miles, needed a home run recruiter on defense in order to reestablish our edge over the rest of the West.

This hire hurts Saban more than most people understand. The entire recruiting board, thought process and schematics of Alabamas movements is now in LSU's house. Realistically, there was nothing Saban could do about it, in fact, it was only a matter of time before someone else got to Steele. The only thing Saban could do was strike a gentleman's agreement on committed recruits now and moving forward.

#2 Development

One of the strange things about the Chavis defenses was the lack of linebacker development. If you look closely at the NFL draft picks you will notice a ton of defensive backs, lineman, defensive ends but few linebackers? Now, Steele isn't the only coach to bring linebackers and develope them in NFL players at Alabama but I think we can expect an upgrade in this area. Keep in mind this is the position Chavis personally coaches. If you look at the LSU recruiting board you will see an absence of linebacker commits (4 total recruits on defense!) In fact, LSU will probably have only 2 linebackers on scholarship if Beckwith decides to go pro after next season. This is why LSU must recruit and develope its talent over the next 2 years in the middle.

#3 A "Coaches" Coach / Added Value

I think what Saban and every coach enjoys on their staff is an old veteran. When you look at Steeles resume you find names like Osbourne, Bowden, Capers, and Saban. Here is a guy with special assignments/ designations to the Head Coach. The resume tells me he is excellent at his skill position craft and has had incredible weight with head coaches in the past. There is a level of credibility and comfort I believe Miles is attracted too with Steele. Throughout a season there are tough times and decisions where the Head Coach needs consulting on decisions. This is an area where I believe Miles is seeing "added value" in Steele.

What was Miles looking for in his DC?

1. Someone that knows the "playground" (SEC Recruiting) - Check

2. Someone that can develope players - Check

3. Someone with the experience and added value - Check

*** Miles is not getting a Chavis coming off a successful decade coaching at Tennessee. Miles isn't betting on a sure thing because there really wasn't a perfect defensive coordinator for LSU. What Miles is betting on is re establishing LSUs recruiting edge, developing players and putting solid game plans in on defense. The formula is the same but LSU is playing from behind much like in 2009. This time Miles is betting on a seasoned vet looking for his 3rd chance at redemption.