What's next for Miles? 3 potential landing spots for LSU's ex-coach
It's only a matter of time before LSU's self-induced loss turns into another program's gain.
Thanks to the 114-34 record he compiled with the Tigers, Les Miles doesn't figure to last long on the unemployment line. Assuming he wishes to continue coaching - and by all indications, he does - here are three potential landing spots for the 62-year-old:
1. Penn State
The James Franklin experiment at Penn State continues to lag, with his Nittany Lions off to a 2-2 start and clearly nowhere near the Big Ten elites. Franklin came to Happy Valley with a reputation as a strong recruiter, but hasn't yet turned words into wins, while patience appears to be running thin.
While Joe Paterno's shadow may forever loom over Beaver Stadium, the Penn State job is still regarded as high-profile, and may still have the luster necessary to attract a big name. It's worth noting that a move to State College would bring Miles closer to his home in Ohio, while the rough-and-tough Big Ten wouldn't be too different from his experience in the SEC.
2. USC
It would be a bold move to part with Clay Helton one season into a five-year deal, but USC could be more motivated than ever, with the Los Angeles Rams threatening to steal Hollywood's attention and ticket sales.
If Helton, who was signed by previous athletic director Pat Haden, is removed as coach, Miles would be the big-name hire USC missed last time. Rumblings of a Miles-USC partnership started last year after the Trojans fired Steve Sarkisian, but they died down after LSU decided to keep its bench boss. With USC struggling and Helton looking overwhelmed in his first head-coaching job, those rumors should return any moment - and perhaps develop into something more.
3. Baylor
Technically, the Baylor job is already open. The Bears are operating this year under interim coach Jim Grobe, but the school has no moral or financial obligation beyond 2016, when his contract expires.
While the Bears may love the idea of Miles cleaning up their off-field reputation, the coach may equally love the idea of joining a winning team with several key players and a successful coaching staff already in place. Lower expectations at Baylor would give Miles more job security than he had at LSU, yet the potential to compete for a national championship still exists in Waco.