SEC Head Coach Evaluation: LSU’s Les Miles

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As crazy as it may sound, the jury is still out on Les Miles after 10 seasons of averaging more than 10 wins.  His biggest test will be the upcoming 2-3 seasons with Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator.

When his offensive coordinator has not had a Mettenberger-level player at quarterback, his offenses have been nothing short of erratic and low scoring.  As long as John Chavis was the defensive coordinator, fans could rest easy that LSU would still win at least 8 games.   Now?  LSU fans are the most worried they have been in years, and for good reason.  LSU could take a step back this year when every team has gotten better in the West compared to a few seasons ago.

Les Miles has had two things in his favor recently that trumped his lack of time management skills:  elite recruiting and John Chavis.  With the loss of Chavis, Miles is closer than ever to the hot seat.  If Kevin Steele produces an elite defense, Miles will continue to enjoy the ride in Baton Rouge.   If Steele falls flat and Cameron cannot produce a relevant offense, Miles could be gone very soon.

While I will be as interested as anyone to see the next 2-3 seasons of Miles’ coaching career, he gets the Southbound and Down thumbs up.  As much evidence as there may seem to be to the contrary, a coach does not just luck into averaging 10.3 wins per year over 10 years in the SEC West. Not even Les Miles.