According to the Detroit Free Press the University of Michigan contacted Les Miles last week about the opening for the head coaching position. This coming after Miles called a press conference prior to the SEC championship game saying that he would not be leaving the LSU Tigers. LSU athletic director, Skip Bertman, does not fear Miles leaving. "He and Bo Schembechler were real close," Bertman said. "If Bo Schembechler were alive, I doubt he could have got him to go to Michigan. It's hard for people who don't live in the South to understand." Miles has close ties to Schembechler. He played and coached with him at Michigan.

This call is the first time that Miles and the Michigan brass have spoken formally about the opening. All prior contact had been handled through intermediaries. Miles signed a 4 year extension to stay with the LSU Tigers last week, but this contract did have a buyout $1.5 million buyout if Miles left for Michigan. Several Michigan players have voiced there want for Miles to coach the Wolverines next season as well.

Today a coach’s word is about as binding as Elmer’s glue. Last January Nick Saban said, “I’m not going to be the Alabama coach.” Less than 2 weeks later he was announced as the new head coach for the Crimson Tide. I think Miles will be on the sidelines next year at the big house. It is always a coach’s dream to go back to his Alma Matter.

This is good news for Mizzou fans. If Miles does take this job it will take another high profile job off the table as a possible opening for Gary Pinkel. Coach Pinkel has a great thing going at Mizzou, but coaching at one of the most recognized programs in the country is a hard thing to turn down.