Fournette on Miles firing: 'At the end of the day, I love him'
LSU superstar Leonard Fournette acknowledged his team has to move on, but was emotional Sunday while reflecting on his time with fired coach Les Miles.
"At the end of the day, we understand that it's a business," the running back told reporters after Miles' dismissal was made official. "The relationship we built with him over our three years is amazing. I hate for everything to have to go down the way it went down on this day."
Miles was sent packing after 11-plus seasons in Baton Rouge. He posted a 141-34 record with the Tigers, and was known for building strong bonds with his players. In particular, the 62-year-old always seemed close to Fournette, one of the most prolific players he ever recruited.
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"No matter what, he always loves us and always will," Fournette said. "We're shocked, too. ... People are going to say what they gonna say, but to me, he's one hell of a coach."
LSU entered the season with championship expectations, largely because Fournette - a Heisman Trophy candidate - returned for what's likely his final year before going to the NFL.
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Two disheartening losses early spoiled those hopes, and continued a trend of underachievement for Miles' teams. Since losing the BCS National Championship Game in 2011, LSU hasn't played in a major bowl game, often starting seasons hot before running into puzzling losses midway through the campaign.
LSU records after BCS National Championship Game appearance
| Year | Record |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 10-3 |
| 2013 | 10-3 |
| *2014 | 8-5 |
| *2015 | 9-3 |
| *2016 | 2-2 |
*Fournette era
LSU players were informed of the coaching change in a team meeting Sunday, and Fournette said he and Miles spoke privately for about 20 minutes afterward.
"At the end of the day, I love him," the junior said. "I just hope the best for him."
Before finishing his press conference, Fournette also issued a vote of confidence to interim coach Ed Orgeron.
"Since I was in high school, I knew Coach O was always a great coach," he said. "I believe he has the will and the power to do it."