Derick E. Hingle, USA TODAY SPORTS
Reports continue to surface that the Michigan Wolverines have interest in hiring Les Miles, who is currently the head coach of the LSU Tigers.
While that seems entirely plausible from the Michigan side, given Miles’ track record in Baton Rouge, what seems less likely is Miles actually having an interest in Michigan.
Yes, Miles is a “Michigan Man”, having played for the Wolverines under legendary head coach Bo Schembechler. And if his heart is truly with his alma mater, that’s one thing.
But the other side, the side which the 61-year-old Miles should consider, is the opportunity side. If he leaves the Bayou for Ann Arbor, he will be undertaking a big rebuilding project. Michigan is really not close to being competitive at this time and there needs to be a significant upgrade in talent on the Wolverines’ roster. Miles could certainly pull that off, but he will need at least two good recruiting classes to do so.
Miles’ former Michigan teammate, Jim Hackett, is the current interim athletic director at Michigan. Rumors say that Hackett’s first choice is former Michigan quarterback and current San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh. If Michigan can’t lure Harbaugh from the NFL, Miles would be next in line.
When weighing his options, Miles must consider that he should have an outstanding team coming back at LSU next year. If Miles and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can figure out the quarterbacking situation (sit Anthony Jennings and play Brandon Harris), LSU should be in contention for an SEC championship next season, which would also put the Tigers in the College Football Playoff.
There seem to be many more reasons to stay at LSU than to go to Michigan for Miles. It would be a bad move for him to make at this time, which is why he likely will stay in Baton Rouge.
Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
