Les Miles gets carried off the field after beating Texas A&M. (USATSI)If Les Miles’ tenure at LSU was to be over, his players gave him a farewell to remember. But notions of Miles leaving the Tigers changed moments after LSU’s 19-7 victory over Texas A&M on Saturday as athletic director Joe Alleva made it known that the team’s football leadership would not be changing.
“I want to make it very clear and positive that Les Miles is our football coach and he will continue to be our football coach,” Alleva said. “Les and I have talked about this program. We are committed together to working to win to compete at highest level.”
Alleva added: “We’re going to go forward together and win championships here at LSU.”
#LSU AD Joe Alleva confirms Les Miles will continue to be the head coach at #LSU. pic.twitter.com/X3Q7nT3BzH
— Emily Villere Dixon (@emilyvdixon) November 29, 2015
Miles said he was informed of the decision by Alleva shortly after returning to the Tigers’ locker room.
“It was after the game,” he said with a wide grin. “How? Telegraph. [School president] King Alexander said, ‘I want you to be our coach. You are our coach.’ Joe Alleva followed that up after, ‘I want you to be our coach.’ It was magnificent.”
Prior to Alleva’s comments, LSU players carried Miles off the field on their shoulders.
Les being carried to the student section by his team. All of the feels, man. #LSU pic.twitter.com/j6QplXTQZg
— Jack Woods (@Jack_TDR) November 29, 2015
Miles’ postgame interview with the SEC Network was delayed because — as he said on air — he had to fulfill the Tigers’ postgame tradition of singing the school’s alma mater.
This is one of the best sports things I’ve ever seen, considering the terrible circumstances. pic.twitter.com/iPzFP8YZHd
— Luke Johnson (@LukeJohnsonAdv) November 29, 2015
When that was done, Miles gushed about his players’ performance, the support of the fans, and his love for LSU. But as for his tenure at LSU, Miles gave no indication as to having any idea about his future.
The Tigers’ official account then sent this tweet.
#ForeverLSU pic.twitter.com/unuB3YXVEM
— LSU Football (@LSUfball) November 29, 2015
All that preceded Alleva’s stunning announcement, which is sure to delight LSU faithful everywhere as well as others confused by some Tigers boosters seemingly having turned on Miles.
“It was a nice night. Victory is always enjoyed, especially when it comes a couple of weeks late,” Miles said. “It’s nice to be the head coach of LSU.”
As for how Miles feels after this entire ordeal?
“Now I know what it’s like to ride an elephant. It scares you to death, and you just pray you can hang on to the ears because there’s just not much to grab onto.”
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