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Ex-LSU AD: Les Miles turned down Michigan job in 2011

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh has taken the sport by storm since his return to the college ranks with Michigan before the 2015 season, but the fiery coach's return to his alma mater likely never would have happened if Les Miles took the Wolverines' head coaching job in 2011.

Speaking on a radio show on ESPN 104.5 Baton Rouge, former LSU athletic director Skip Bertman divulged that the recently fired Tigers coach was offered the Michigan job before Brady Hoke was eventually named to the position.

"Les Miles turned that job down for more money at Michigan. He turned it down," Bertman said, according to ESPN's David Ching. "He would never say that because he's a very humble guy. But I was there, he turned it down."

Miles played and coached under Michigan legend Bo Schembechler and has faced questions about returning to his former school many times throughout his career. The Wolverines athletic director at the time was Dave Brandon, formerly the CEO of Domino's Pizza. Brandon made the trip from Ann Arbor to Baton Rouge to offer the position to Miles.

"LSU had just given him this new contract, and the president of Domino's Pizza flew down on a Domino's plane and offered him (the Michigan job)," Bertman said. "He says, 'You've got to tell me tonight Les, because if you don't say yes, I'm going to get Brady Hoke.'"

Miles would turn the offer down, and Hoke was hired the next day. In four years with the program, Hoke struggled to a 31-20 record, despite starting his tenure with an 11-2 season. He was fired after the 2014 campaign, with Harbaugh taking over the role shortly afterwards. Hoke is now the defensive coordinator at Oregon.

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