Both coaches and players alike are often put in tough positions when it comes to answering questions from the media. They are repeatedly interviewed and asked about every single decision and small detail of the jobs they do. They are expected to be honest, yet politically correct with their responses. They are suppose to keep their cool, even though they may be questioned just minutes after an emotional loss. What if they didn’t have to? What if they could be brutally honest and get away with it? Just as Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon speak as prominent sports figures on their show “Pardon the Interruption,” I will respond to a set of tough questions with things I would say if I were Miles and not worried about being politically correct.
Q: First off coach, your team is 8-1 and is in prime position to win an SEC and possibly a national title. At this point in the season, are you and your team where you expected to be? Miles: Ideally we would like to be undefeated, as would any coach and program, but to look up and see that we are 8-1 and can still attain our pre-season goals is a blessing. But sometimes I ask myself, “Did we really lose to Kentucky? I mean really Kentucky?” We beat those guys 49-0 last year and this year we lose. I know they are a better team than they were this past season and this year is a different year, but is it that different?
Q: Your latest victory was a win over the Crimson Tide, which is coached by your predecessor at LSU, Nick Saban. How sweet was that victory? Miles: First of all, a win is a win, no matter who is on the other sideline. With that being said, I did enjoy that victory against Alabama just a tad more with Saban as the coach over there. I’ve heard some rumors about him saying I’m winning with his players, but I don’t remember seeing Demetrius Byrd scoring for any of his teams. I don’t remember Chad Jones blitzing in his defense or Trindon Holliday running past him on kick returns. I’ve had three recruiting classes here.
Q: You have gone 30-5 in your two-plus seasons at LSU, yet one preseason media publication had you ranked No. 53 among Division-I coaches. That has to bother you right? Miles: Listen, people will talk about you both good and bad until the day you die. I look at it like this, I’m living the life. I’m healthy, I’m getting paid to do what I love, my team is ranked No. 2 in the nation now, and my family is happy. Everything else is secondary. But C’mon 53? Seriously . . . 53? Can you even name 52 other coaches?
Q: The LSU fans are very supportive of their team but can be rough at times if things aren’t going in favor of the Tigers. What is your assessment of the LSU fan base? Miles: They are by far the most passionate fans in sports. Not just college, but sports. I think it took some time for them to accept me, coming after a coach who won a title here, but they’ve had time to see how I operate. Did I mention I beat that guy last week?
Q: There was recently an incident involving three of your players. Two of them, Derrick Odom and Jeremy Benton were dismissed while Ryan Perrilloux was suspended. Explain the logic behind that. Miles: How many touchdowns have Odom and Benton scored in their careers? I rest my case. Next question.
Q: Ok, last question coach. Would you leave LSU for your alma mater Michigan if the job was available to you? Miles: I’ve thought about that ever since the Wolverines’ loss to Appalachian State, and I honestly still don’t know what I would do. First off, all I think Lloyd Carr is a good coach. I would love to be a part of the legacy of my mentor and coach Bo Schembechler. But I’ve grown to love LSU. Not to mention the athletes here in the South seem to be superior than those in Big-10 land. If I had to decide now though, I probably would stay. My family loves it here.
—Contact Jeff Martin at [email protected]