LSU head coach Les Miles will stay put in Baton Rouge, the school announced Tuesday morning.
Miles has been considered a top candidate for the head coaching position at Michigan ever since the school fired former coach Rich Rodriguez two weeks ago. Miles played and coached at Michigan and has made no secret of his love for his alma mater.
However, he put an end to speculation this morning when he called LSU athletic director Joe Alleva to inform him he would not be accepting the position.
Alleva released a statement this morning confirming the report.
“I am pleased to announce that Les Miles will remain the head coach at LSU,” Alleva said.  “Les has led this program to many great successes on the field and his players represent LSU well off the field.  We look forward to many great years of LSU football under his leadership.”
LSU Chancellor Michael Martin was thankful Miles decided to retain his position at LSU.
“His success as a coach, a mentor and a role model have had positive impacts at this university and across this community,” Martin said. “I look forward to Coach Miles being our coach, colleague and a friend for many years to come.”
The announcement comes on the same day the final AP Top 25 rankings were released. LSU moved up to No. 8 from No. 11 following last Friday’s 41-24 win against Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. The team is expected to be in the hunt for a national championship in 2011 with Miles cemented back in LSU’s coaching corner.
Michigan didn’t waste any time after learning Miles would stay at LSU. Brady Hoke, a former Michigan assistant, was named as the new coach Tuesday afternoon. Hoke led San Diego State to a 9-4 record this season
Miles notified the media yesterday that he would meet with Michigan officials, which he did Monday night in Baton Rouge. A report by WBRZ said Miles, his wife Katy, agent George Bass and Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon met at Miles’ condo on Nicholson Drive.
Brandon left Baton Rouge without Miles, who was seen eating at VooDoo BBQ on Nicholson later that night. Early reports indicated Miles would meet with Michigan officials Tuesday while in Dallas for the American Football Coaches Association’s annual convention. The headquarters of Bass is located in Dallas, but Michigan got Miles earlier than anticipated with the Monday night meeting.
The meeting with Brandon came hours after Miles expressed his interest to stay at LSU.
“I want to return right here,” Miles said in a statement to the media Monday morning. “I’m extremely happy here … I have a real comfort with my family in Baton Rouge.”
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. There is no word yet whether or not Michigan even offered the job to Miles.
“I’m thankful, on behalf of all Tiger fans, that Coach Miles is staying at LSU,” LSU Chancellor Michael Martin said in a statement. “His success as a coach, a mentor and a role model have had positive impacts at this university and across this community. I look forward to Coach Miles being our coach, colleague and a friend for many years to come.”
The hoopla surrounding Miles comes less than a month away from National Signing Day. Miles’ decision to stay leaves a sense of reassurance to the LSU commitments as well as the remaining recruits left on Miles’ radar.
Anthony “Freak” Johnson, a five-star defensive tackle recruit from OP Walker in New Orleans, told Daily Reveille Sports Writer Michael Lambert on Tuesday afternoon he’s excited Miles decided to say.
“It was kind of shaky with Michigan being his alma mater, but LSU has a lot of tradition,” Johnson said. “It shows his character. He knows that we have a lot of talent here to potential win two or three national championships.”
Johnson is one of three LSU commits to enroll early this spring, joining quarterback Zach Mettenberger and running back Kenny Hilliard. Johnson said he plans to move in tomorrow and will attend classes when school starts next Tuesday.
Miles reportedly had interest in the Michigan job three years ago when Coach Lloyd Carr retired. He put an end to that on the morning of the Southeastern Conference Championship game with an impromptu press conference.
Miles’ quick speech, in which he informed the media to “Have a great day,” before walking off, has made airwaves ever since.
“Miles to Michigan, part two,” ultimately ended in the same way, albeit in a much quieter fashion.
Miles has a 62-17 record at LSU, making him the third-winningest coach in school history. He has four years left on his 3.751 million dollar contract.
Sports Writer Michael Lambert contributed to this report
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Contact Katherine Terrell at [email protected]