Bellbrook graduation 2012
Fairfield Senior 2012 graduation
Kroger Aquatic Center opens
BCS national championship LSU vs. Ohio State
LSU's Miles relieved Wolverines have a coach — and it's not him
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
BATON ROUGE, La. — — Before Louisiana State University coach Les Miles opened his news conference to questions on Monday, he finished his opening comments with a line that drew laughs from reporters.
"I'm also happy, to be honest with you, that Michigan has picked a quality coach," Miles said.
Extras
Miles, whose team will face Ohio State in the BCS championship game on Jan. 7, had been rumored as destined for the Wolverines job even before Lloyd Carr announced his retirement on Nov. 19. He held an impromptu press conference before the Southeastern Conference championship game to announce he was staying at LSU, but his name was linked to the job up to last week, when it was reported he spoke on the phone with the Michigan president and athletic director.
On Sunday, West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez took the job, freeing Miles to focus on the championship game in the coming week.
"As an alumnus, not speaking as a coach now, but as an alumnus I think it's time that the Michigan alumni, everybody that supports that program get behind that coach," Miles said, "I think coach Rodriguez will do a great job, and I'm very happy they picked a head coach of that quality and caliber."
Miles was a Michigan offensive lineman in 1974 and '75 and a Wolverines assistant coach from 1980-81 and 1987-94, which made the Michigan speculation inevitable.
"I know it's disappointing to some of you who don't like me," Miles said with a smirk, "and really wish I had taken the Michigan job, which was not offered, but I couldn't get them interested in me, so you're stuck with me."
The first reporter raised his hand and, tongue in cheek, asked another question that brought laughs.
"Coach," he said, "are you interested in the West Virginia job?"
They said it
Comments concerning the hiring of Rich Rodriguez (above):
• Michigan AD Bill Martin: "It's the happiest day of my life at Michigan ... I would love to have him serve for the next couple of decades as our coach."
• Departing Michigan coach Lloyd Carr: "He is in the forefront. A lot of people have studied what he has brought to this game. It is different."
• Rodriguez himself: "Do you have to be a 'Michigan Man' to be the Michigan coach? Gosh, I hope not. They hired me."
• LSU coach Les Miles (left): "I think coach Rodriguez will do a great job, and I'm very happy they picked a head coach of that quality."
