I hate it for Les Miles. The vultures aren't circling, they're sitting on fenceposts and spreading their wings to warm before they flock to devour his carcass.
I hate it because he's an entertaining guy. He's one of the few opposing coaches I actually like. He's always on the verge of saying something funny.
I hate it because -- unlike the asshole in Tuscaloosa -- he understands that it's a game and the real purpose of his job is to improve the lives of the players long-term.
I hate it because when he makes mistakes, he makes them out of loyalty and trust. He gives his players the benefit of the doubt even when maybe he shouldn't. He sticks with guys like Brandon Harris because he wants them to succeed even when it's not going to happen. And he feels terrible when it doesn't work out.
I hate it because I've watched how he's handled the tragedy of Katrina and the terrible flooding that plagued Louisiana this year.
Les is a good guy. Goofy as hell and a pretty decent coach.
I hate it because LSU doesn't know who they really are. They think they are one of the traditional elites and have some birthright to championships. The truth is for most of the last 60 years, they've wandered the wilderness and been a middle of the pack program. Miles is as good a man as they're ever going to get. They may get a better coach, but they won't get a better MAN to be in charge of that program. I've watched him change the fan culture.
The pitchforks are out. They are sharp.
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2016/09/times_up_for_les_miles_with_no.html#incart_2boxHe's got an uphill climb. Apparently LSU whipped Auburn up and down the field tonight, but Les just can't manage the clock. Or so NOLA says.