Les Miles opens up on firing, hints he’ll coach again on Dan Patrick Show

By JAMES MORAN
Tiger Rag Associate Editor

Les Miles spoke publically for the first time since being fired as LSU head coach, appearing on the Dan Patrick Show on Monday morning.

The man who spent the past 12 seasons patrolling the sidelines for the purple and gold didn’t let on any bitterness about his dismissal, repeatedly saying he’s “for the Tigers” and understood the school’s decision to part ways.

Miles told Patrick that LSU AD Joe Alleva informed him of the decision in a face-to-face meeting Sunday. There was no argument, and Miles said he appreciated Alleva allowing him to say a brief farewell to his team before making a quick exit.

“It was beyond fighting,” he said of the decision. “The enjoyment of being here, the enjoyment of community, the experiences that my family’s had, it’s too important to fight over. It’s history. It’s what we were are. If they see a change makes the tiger better, I’m for them.”

Miles said he didn’t feel like there was an undercurrent working against him since he was nearly fired in November amid a three-game losing streak. Patrick then asked Miles if he’d felt sorry for himself after Sunday’s news.

“Are you kidding?” Miles answered. “I’ve had a great time at LSU and enjoyed myself the entire time.”

As far as the future, Miles hinted strongly that he may coach again someday.

“I don’t golf. I play no tennis. I enjoy shooting the gun, but I don’t point it at animals. I play cards not very well,” Miles said. “What I have done for probably 12-14 hours a day for the last number of years is coach football. I would have a difficult time not being involved in the game or being a coach.”

That, however, will be a decision for another day. Asked about his plans for this coming Saturday — the first fall Saturday he’ll have off in quite some time — Miles may head over to Tallahassee to see his son Manny and North Carolina take on Florida State.

Well, provided he can find a ticket.

“That’s going to be a tough one,” Miles said. “If I can find a ticket for UNC at Florida State, I may see if my son can arrange a ticket. I’m going to be rooting for the LSU Tigers, rooting for the Tar Heels, rooting for the Cowboys and rooting for Michigan. When Ben ends up at the school he’s committed to, then I’m going to root for them. That’s just the way it is.”