Unconventional, unpredictable and unique are just a few words to describe Louisiana State’s head coach Les Miles.
When he’s not eating grass or joking with reporters, Miles is leading his troops through the battlefield that is the Southeastern Conference.
The Tigers started the season with a lot of adversity surrounding the program. Their offensive coordinator, Steve Kragthorpe, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, their offensive line coach had to take over the play calling duties, and their starting quarterback was arrested. But unlike any other coach, Miles handled the early season madness head on.
Miles demeanor was as calm during LSU’s Media Day as it would have been back in August when asked about looking back on what his team has been through.
“I would have told them that this team would have found a way,” Miles said. “I would have told them that those are obstacles, but not real burdens. We’ll find a way.”
It’s no wonder why Miles and the Tigers are on the verge of one of the more impressing seasons in recent memories. In route to a 13-0 season, LSU has beaten the winner of the Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Arkansas, Georgia and Alabama at home. But to win a third championship in eight years, Miles and the Tigers will have to defeat Alabama again. His players want nothing more than to win the game for him.
“We love Coach Miles,” quarterback Jarrett Lee said. “He helps us on and off the field. He’s a family man and a family coach. He’s the type of guy that you want to play for. It carries onto the field and we know he cares.”
If the Tigers win on Monday, Miles would tie Alabama’s Nick Saban and newly hired Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer as the only coaches with two BCS National Championships. Miles’ players love playing for them and he creates a family atmosphere for the team. His confidence in them gives them the confidence to play well.
“This feels like my family,” Miles said. “I have two sons and two daughters that have heard some of the same talks that these guys have heard and probably enjoy them in a very like fashion. Some not so much and some a lot.”
Wide receiver Rueben Randle said Miles’ personality helps the team a lot.
“It’s fun to play for a guy like Les,” Randle said. “He has confidence in us and he’ll call any play at any time and I think he’s the reason we go out and execute the way that we do.”
With Miles on the sidelines, there are two things LSU will never lack – confidence and personality.
