On at last three occasions the last several years, a sizable segment of the Michigan fan base hoped that Les Miles would come home. Later this month, he’ll be doing just that -- albeit as strictly a visitor.
The former LSU head coach confirmed to the Detroit News that he will be in attendance for UM’s home finale Nov. 19 against Indiana. Miles played his college football for the Wolverines in the mid-seventies, and his first coaching job came on Bo Schembechler’s staff as a graduate assistant.
“I’m going to see if I can find my ‘M’ jacket,” Miles told the News. “It may be a little snug.”
This will mark Miles’ first game-day visit to the Big House in more than three decades. It will be his first time in the stadium since Bo Schembechler‘s memorial service in November of 2006.
Miles was reportedly courted by his alma mater during coaching searches in 2007, 2011 and 2014. In September of this year, former LSU athletic director Skip Bertman repeated claims that Miles had turned down the UM job, which was offering more money, to remain at LSU.
The Wolverines eventually hired another Michigan Man, Jim Harbaugh, following the 2014 season. In less than two years, the former Stanford head coach has transformed UM from a flailing program into one that’s on the precipice of a College Football Playoff appearance.
“I am thrilled with Jim Harbaugh,” Miles said. “I love what’s going on. He’s competitive, he fights and he’s teaching what he knows. I can’t be any happier.”
Miles was fired by LSU in September of this year. After hiring a powerful new agent, Miles has his sights set on an immediate return to coaching.
