According to a report from Neal McCready, Les Miles and Arizona are mutually interested in each other, following the dismissal of Rich Rodriguez last night.
Miles, who spent this past season away from the sidelines for the first time since his coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Michigan in 1980, has been itching for an opportunity to lead a Power 5 program again. The past year his name has been thrown around for a number of jobs by analysts and fans alike, but the right fit and mutual interest just haven't meshed for a number of reasons.
At LSU, Les Miles compiled an impressive record of 114-24 with one national title (2007) and one SEC title (2011). Miles was let go at LSU four games into the 2016 season after a rough 2-2 start.
For Arizona, Miles fits a mold similar to the one Rich Rodriguez was in after being fired at Michigan. Rich Rod was fired in early January of 2011, and then sat out the 2011 season before being hired at Arizona on November 21, 2011.
There's no denying that having Miles back on a sideline this fall would make things very interesting and he'd bring some great experience as a recruiter and proven winner to the tough Pac-12 South where he'll face USC, Utah, as well as new faces like Herm Edwards at Arizona State, and of course Chip Kelly at UCLA.
Unfortunate reality (for many college football fans) is that although Les has spoken with a number of ADs of the past year, he hasn't closed one out. With this being the only open FBS job right now, everyone who is interested is likely calling in. Will be interesting to see what direction Dave Heeke steers the program.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
