Football News: Les Miles Fired | FCS Is On
Finishing a winless 0-9 in Les Miles' second year as the head coach was pretty bad for Kansas football - a program that has become almost immune to bad over the last 50 years. Since 1969, the Jayhawks have managed just eight winning seasons and none at all since 2008. They've lost as many as 10 games five times since that 2008 season.
But things actually got worse for Kansas over the weekend when a report was released about Miles' time at LSU, and multiple complaints about inappropriate conduct around women. He was initially placed on administrative leave, but by Monday night, the school's decision to part ways with Miles was announced.
The details of Miles' alleged misconduct came to light because of an investigation into Title IX issues at LSU. The report detailed Miles "texting female students, talking them to his condo alone, making them feel uncomfortable, and, on at least one occasion, kissing a student and suggesting they go to a hotel after telling her he could help her career."
We also learned from the report that LSU athletic director Joe Alleva wanted to fire Miles in 2013 for cause, but the new university president said no, and actually gave Miles a raise. Again in 2015, Alleva wanted to fire Miles, but this time pushback from the fans and media kept Miles at LSU. Finally, in 2016, he was fired four games into the season.
Kansas says that it fully vetted Miles, including background checks and extensive interviews, and there was no whiff of an investigation. Miles, for his part, says that none of these accusations have been proven, and he is innocent.
It's worth noting that the Baton Rouge Advocate uncovered news of a settlement involving Miles and an LSU athletic department intern who accused him of sexual harassment.
Spring Football Watch
Because of cancellations last fall, we are being treated to some excellent FCS football this spring, with James Madison holding the No. 1 ranking in the nation, just ahead of Weber State and North Dakota. James Madison is off this week, while Weber State takes on UC Davis. Online FCS odds have Weber State as nine-point favorites.
In FBS football, there are no official games being played until the fall, but there are some critical spring battles worth keeping an eye on.
There is a competition in Ohio State to see who takes over for Justin Fields at quarterback. Fields is preparing for the NFL Draft, and CJ Stroud, Jack Miller, and Kyle McCord all want to be the next great Buckeye signal-caller.
Stroud finished 2020 second on the depth chart, beating out Miller. But McCord is a five-star freshman recruit and will push for playing time.
The next Notre Dame quarterback is thought to be transfer Jack Coan from Wisconsin. A broken foot cost him his job in Madison, and now, he's in South Bend.
But since Coan is already a senior, look for incoming freshman Tyler Buchner to get plenty of playing time as the assumed 2022 heir apparent. Online bookmakers have Notre Dame at +4000 to win next January's national championship.
