Miles decides to remain with LSU

Les Miles has decided to try to build on the success he’s having at LSU rather than rebuild Michigan, the team for which he once played. "The want and need to stand by my commitment to the team that I coach and the school that I represent really overshadowed any other consideration," Miles said Tuesday. "The business that we’re doing is affecting people’s lives, playing for championships, encouraging a degree, setting people on a path that will benefit them. I think that happened for me at Michigan and hopefully it’s happening for others at LSU."

Miles told LSU athletic director Joe Alleva of his decision on Tuesday morning before he traveled to Dallas for a previously scheduled speaking engagement at an American Football Coaches Association gathering. During his opening remarks, Miles lightheartedly told his audience, "The reports of my departure are greatly exaggerated."

A day earlier, Miles had spent several hours meeting with Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon, who flew to Baton Rouge on Monday to talk to discuss the Wolverines’ open head coaching job. Although Alleva did not object to Miles meeting with his alma mater, he said LSU also had been working to persuade Miles to stay put. "Les has led this program to many great successes on the field and his players represent LSU well off the field,” Alleva said after announcing Miles’ plans to remain. “We look forward to many great years of LSU football under his leadership."