The focus of Monday’s press conference was supposed to be on LSU junior cornerback Patrick Peterson.
But the attention immediately turned to the future of LSU coach Les Miles after Peterson finished talking about foregoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft.
Multiple reports indicated that Miles and Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon met Monday night in Baton Rouge to discuss Michigan’s job opening. LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette confirmed that the meeting took place Monday night, according to ESPN.com. After the meeting, Brandon flew back to Michigan.
ESPN.com college football analyst Joe Schad reported Monday afternoon that a source told him Miles would accept the coaching position at Michigan if he was offered.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune refuted that report Monday night after receiving word from a high-ranking LSU official that stated “Don’t worry. He’s not leaving.”
After Miles spoke briefly about Peterson and Peterson himself announced his plans to enter the NFL, Miles came back to the podium and added insight on the rumors linking the sixth-year LSU coach to Michigan.
“To this point in time, I’ve not talked to anyone from Michigan nor has any of my representation done anything but have very distant conversation with representatives that would represent the school,” Miles said.
Michigan fired former coach Rich Rodriguez last week, and Miles, a former Wolverine player and assistant coach, is a candidate for the position.
“I’m told we will speak but that time and place has not been identified,” Miles said. “It’s hard for me to speculate to the substance of that meeting.”
Early reports indicated Miles would meet with Michigan officials Tuesday while he is in Dallas for the American Football Coaches Association’s annual convention. The headquarters of Miles’ agent, George Bass, is located in Dallas. But Michigan got Miles earlier than anticipated with the Monday night meeting.
Miles has been mum up to this point among the rabid speculation. Despite the late night meeting, Miles expressed his desire to stay with LSU on Monday afternoon.
“I want to return right here,” Miles said. “I’m extremely happy here … I have a real comfort with my family in Baton Rouge.”
LSU athletic director Joe Alleva released a statement Monday after the press conference regarding Miles’ interest in Michigan.
“I can certainly understand Coach Miles’ desire to accommodate his alma mater by speaking with them during their coaching search,” Alleva said. “We remain committed to working toward keeping Les Miles as the head of the LSU football program, a program that wins at a high level, graduates its student-athletes and represents the university well in the community under his leadership.”
Miles’ statement overshadowed Peterson’s declaration to the draft, where he is projected as a top-5 pick.
“These three years at LSU, this place will never be forgotten by me,” Peterson said. “I’m definitely bleeding purple and gold.”
Peterson said he aims to be the highest cornerback taken in the draft. The previous highest picked defensive back was former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shawn Springs, who was picked third overall in 1997.
“I have huge goals for myself,” Peterson said. “I hope to be the No. 1 pick.
Peterson’s decision comes without knowing the fate of the NFL for next season. The current collective bargaining agreement expires March 3, but even if there is a lockout, there will still be a draft. The biggest question is whether or not Peterson’s salary will be affected.
Peterson wouldn’t be paid during the lockout, but could still receive money from whatever agency he signs with. The obstacles with the NFL, however, didn’t deter Peterson from declaring.
“I got pretty good advice … I don’t think it’s going to be a lockout,” he said. “This decision was a no brainer.”
Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter @TDR_Lambert
—-
Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]