Many are outraged by the decision to fire LSU coach Les Miles. The decision comes after a loss to Auburn. This was the team’s first conference loss and their second loss of the season.
The Tigers have struggled to make it to a reputable bowl game season after season. Despite a few National Championship appearances, fans weren’t happy with the outcome season after season.
It’s no secret that Miles recruited some of the finest athletes during his time at LSU. This is evident by the 69 players LSU has had drafted into the NFL. Miles has recruited NFL talent with the likes of Mathieu, Beckham and Lafell.
Miles finished at LSU with an overall record 114-34. During his 11 year tenure, Miles became the second highest winningest coach and averaged 10 wins per season. Under Miles’ leadership the Tigers also had more wins between 2005-2016 than any other SEC opponent.
So with a list of accomplishments as long as Miles, why would LSU relieve him of his coaching duties?
The decision has more to do with Miles’ streak of blowing games. Many of the 34 losses could’ve been avoided by better coaching. When LSU was trailing to Alabama in the 2011 National Championship, Miles’ should’ve made the decision to bench Jordan Jefferson, if even for a quarter. This decision cost LSU chance to beat Alabama for the National Championship.
Miles has led LSU to losses against opponents the Tigers were favored to win against. The embarrassing 24-25 loss to Clemson in the 2012 Chic Fil A Bowl is evident of this.
A few years of missing Big Bowl games and starting a season 1-2 against SEC and unranked opponents would seal the deal.
Les Miles will hands down go down as one of LSU’s greats. But all good things must come to an end. The Les Miles of the past 4 years is a totally different Miles of the previous. Though he’s managed to average 10 wins a season, he failed to secure big wins and get the Tigers to bigger bowl games.
Currently, the Tigers are 1-0 after firing Miles with a 42-7 blowout over conference opponent, Mizzou.
Unfortunately, Les Miles biggest misfortune at LSU was coaching after Nick Saban.
