Les Miles and 12 other SEC coaches voted to keep an eight-game league schedule. (Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE)
A third consecutive loss has made it a strong possibility that Les Miles will be serving as LSU coach for the final time when the Tigers host Texas A&M on Saturday.
With Miles’ future already under scrutiny, LSU gave a dismal effort in a 38-17 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday that has fueled more speculation about his job status.
According to The Times-Picayune, The Tiger Athletic Foundation is prepared to pay the $15 million buyout clause in Miles’ contract that would be trigged by LSU terminating Miles before Jan. 1.
The newspaper also reported that Miles recently met with school officials to discuss his future. One option was Miles coaching the team in 2016 and retiring at the end of the season.
However, some influential boosters would like to see a parting of the ways now. Among the potential targets that would reportedly be pursued is Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, a former LSU offensive coordinator. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is another possible target.
Miles has a 110-32 record in 11 seasons with the Tigers and has won 10 or more games seven times. He won the BCS National Championship in 2007 and lost in the national title game in 2011.
His team started 7-0 this season behind the success of star running back Leonard Fournette. But a loss to Alabama started a three-game losing streak and LSU has been outscored 99-47 during the skid.
The $15 million buyout is payable over eight years and includes an additional $2 million total payable to assistant coaches who have a “Les Miles clause” in their deals.
