re: who was available when miles was hired?

quote:

---

Petrino
Del Rio

---

You for got to mention Parcells, Dungy and Belichik

12/28/2004 - Bobby Petrino has confirmed that he had a preliminary interview with LSU in Nashville on Sunday, but has not been offered the head coach position.

12/28/2004 - After interviewing Bobby Petrino, LSU has received permission to interview Arkansas Razorbacks Head Coach Houston Nutt. --Kevin Donahue


12/29/2004 - Arkansas Head Coach Houston Nutt has removed his name from the LSU coaching search. Nutt acknowledged that he spoke with LSU briefly, but indicated that he is happy to be staying at Arkansas. Nutt makes $1.5 million as the Razorbacks head coach.

You would have to think that Petrino is still the number one, despite his love 'em and leave 'em history. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State Head Coach Les Miles has met with an LSU representative, despite Oklahoma State denying LSU permission to interview Miles. Since Miles contract does not require the university's OK for him to interview, LSU is proceeding with Miles consent. Miles has a one year buyout clause in his contract, or approximately $1-1.5 million. The fact that Miles is (apparently) moving forward with LSU despite OSU denying permission signals that he is very interested in hearing what the Tigers have to say. --Kevin Donahue


12/31/2004 - LSU played the race card yesterday, in announcing that they had interviewed Tigers receivers coach Bobby Williams for the team's head coaching position. Previous to sitting with Williams, who is an African-American, LSU would only comment on coaching candidates after they had publicly confirmed their interviews (Petrino & Nutt).

LSU also interviewed former Texas A&M head coach RC Slocum, but that's being characterized as more of a courtesy interview than an indication that Slocum is a strong candidate.

The Tigers seem to be very anxious to interview Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio, but have not had formal contact with Del Rio or his agent. NFL coaches cannot interview for other jobs until after the NFL season ends this Sunday. -- Kevin Donahue
UPDATE 12/31/04 by Dave Frey
ESPN Radio reported around lunchtime today (sorry, no weblink yet) that Petrino's agent is categorically denying rumors of an offer by LSU. This would appear to be an effort at damage control, as Petrino has SERIOUSLY pissed off Louisville's fans and administration with the LSU flirtation after signing his new contract. In fact, there's even an ESPN.com article suggesting that if he doesn't get the LSU job Louisville may fire him anyway. This guy has a way of stirring up ill will; not sure we want him in Tigerland.

My best guess (and that's all it is) now is that Ferentz and Miles are the leading candidates, with Ferentz being preferable but Miles being more attainable. LSU probably won't make an announcement until mid next week, after they've talked to Del Rio (and if you believe the message board rumors, Gruden. Ha!). Of course, if they could get agreement from Ferentz, an announcement could come sooner, but I see this as unlikely as of now. (Boy, how much would Iowa hate LSU if we beat them in the bowl and stole their hotshot coach?) The downside of Ferentz for LSU is, of course, that like Saban, he's going to be on the short list for every NFL opening. This Tiger fan is willing to live with that if we keep winning, but many are not.

Update 12/31/2004
LSU officials spent the day in Jacksonville, intending to meet with Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio. After spending the day waiting around for a meeting to take place, LSU reps finally left Jacksonville without meeting with Del Rio or his representatives. --Kevin Donahue

---------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE 1/1/05 by Dave Frey
ESPN reports that Petrino has withdrawn his name from consideration for the LSU job.
-----------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE #2, 1/1/05 by Jeff Quinton
The Times-Picayune is reporting Les Miles is being offered the job with details finalized as early as Wednesday. Thanks to commenter mouse for the heads-up.

ESPN.com has more information.


UPDATE #3, 1/1/05 by Dave Frey
Not so fast, my friend! It COULD be Les Miles, but the source of these reports is a Baton Rouge talkshow host named Jimmy Ott who is NOT the most reliable source in the world. I think these major media outlets picking this up because Ott said it is highly irresponsible and could leave a lot of egg on a lot of faces next week. At this point, I'd put the odds of it being Miles at around 50%.


UPDATE 1/2/2005
Jumbo Fisher seems poised to leave LSU. After the loss in the Capital One Bowl, Fisher indicated that he will probably be coaching "at another school" next year, but holds no hard feelings towards LSU for not offering him a chance to interview. Meanwhile, most major media outlets are saying that LSU will not hold any additional interviews and that LSU officials confirmed that Oklahoma State coach Les Miles will be offered the head coaching position at LSU. --Kevin Donahue

we should try to get jimbo back if miles is gone but hes not leavin. All the haters will leave for a while then say they were with the tigers all the way.

quote:

---

not Les Miles

---

quote:

---

Miles won a National Championship. We hired the right guy

---

exactly some people are just plain stupid.

quote:

---

who was available when miles was hired?

---

No one, actually.

quote:

---

LSU also interviewed former Texas A&M head coach RC Slocum

---

nice

Dennis Erickson & Mike Riley.

quote:

---

tduecen

---

Excellent post. Woodward and Bernstein would be proud, and yes, I know this shows my age.

Sabes would probably come back if we offered

Whatcha think?