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We haven’t heard much about Les Miles this coaching cycle, until now. His name has popped up in connection with the Tennessee search since Phillip Fulmer took over the AD position.
CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd is now reporting that Fulmer reached out to Miles’ representatives two weeks ago, before he was even in charge of the search. Here’s the quote from Dodd.
CBS Sports' own Dennis Dodd confirms that Tennessee athletic director Phil Fulmer did make contact with representatives of former LSU coach Les Miles, but not exactly as originally reported. Various sources indicated to Dodd that the contact between the two parties came weeks ago -- before Fulmer was named AD in place of John Currie. The contact was not direct between Miles and the Vols, those sources said.
This would at least confirm Fulmer’s rumored interest in the veteran coach. It would also raise some questions about Fulmer’s role in this process while Currie was still in power.
We’ve also got this from Gordy Rush of the LSU Sports Radio Network.
Talking to Gordy Rush of the LSU Sports Radio Network, says that Les Miles "wants the UT job" & "would take less money if needed to spend on coordinators." He can see "Tee Martin as OC, John Chavis & Kevin Steele both on staff if Malzahn leaves - Chavis & Miles are still close."
— Dan Harralson (@danharralson) December 3, 2017
The talk around Miles will focus on his lack of offense late in his tenure at LSU, deservedly so. A big time offensive coordinator would be a must. We’ve heard Tee Martin’s name plenty to this point, but mostly around the head coaching position.
Would Tee come back to Knoxville as a coordinator? Perhaps as a coach in waiting? There has been plenty of talk about that too.
At this point, you’re not going to find a more successful, experienced guy than Les Miles in this search. I wrote that last week. Tennessee could do a lot worse here. We’ll see if this picks up steam in the coming days.