When LSU blew a 21-0 lead on Sept. 26 to Tennessee, fans began logging online to vent their anger about the coaching staff.
In the aftermath of the loss, Web sites and online groups have been created to express their disapproval of Les Miles and in some cases, the coordinators.
Unfortunately for Web site critics, the site firelesmiles.com already had been taken by Oklahoma State fans during the Miles era in Stillwater, Okla.
An avid protester – who did not disclose his name on the site – created a new address to direct LSU fans who shared his opinions. The firelsucoaches.com site had more than 20,000 hits in less than a week after the loss. Other LSU coaches are also getting criticism after the defeat.
The Web site starts with a graphic that states, “Les, [Defensive coordinator] Bo [Pelini], [Offensive coordinator] Jimbo [Fisher]…Get out of our state.”
The creator, who is under the pseudonym “C,” has suspended all posts to the Web site because of profane remarks and personal attacks in the past week.
“I honestly never thought 60 people would see [the site] let alone 6,000-plus,” said the creator on the Web site’s homepage. “I hope I’m wrong, and we go 10-1 like so many [posters] are saying.”
College fans also have made efforts to express their disapproval with the coaches’ decisions through facebook.com, a popular Web site for college students which allows them to create groups.
“Fire Les Miles,” “Fire Cheerleader Miles” and “Les Miles Will Destroy What Nick Saban Built” are just a few groups to name.
The largest group – “Fire Les Miles” – was founded by prelaw student Timothy Brinks and attracted more than 100 members in 24 hours.
“The main goal of our group is to provide a forum for all disgruntled LSU student fans who firmly believe that Les Miles is not at all suited to be head coach of a top-tier football program, especially one in the SEC,” Brinks said.
Other groups have been created for other coaches. One of the most publicized Web sites was fireRonZook.com, which was created after Ron Zook succeeded Steve Spurrier at the University of Florida.
The Web sites have never been proven to serve a voice in the firing process of Zook, and Brinks said he is aware his group will not affect any hiring or firing decisions the athletic administration may make in the future. Associate athletic director Herb Vincent, who is a part of the hiring and firing process, said the Web sites do not sway any of the officials’ decisions.
“Zero – with a capital Z,” Vincent said. “Anyone can a start a Web site. We don’t want to discuss it any further than that.”
As opposed to the 151 members in the “Fire Les Miles” group, there are 511 students who joined the “Fans of Les Miles” group.
“No one’s perfect,” said sophomore receiver Early Doucet. “It’s unfortunate that we lost to Tennessee, but that’s all a part of playing football. You win some and you lose some. It’s all about how you react afterward. I think we showed that against Mississippi State.”
Senior defensive lineman Kyle Williams said he has seen several coaches criticized at one time or another – including Saban.
“Coach Saban lost games, and I remember they used to be up in arms about coach Saban saying ‘let’s get rid of him.’ Now, they love [Saban] because we lost a game,” Williams said. “It’s just the nature of the beast around here.”
Contact Tabby Soignier at [email protected]