LSU head coach Les Miles is reportedly coaching for his job in the Tigers final two games of their season, according to Scott Rabalais of the Baton Rouge Advocate.
The Tigers started the season 7-0 and were ranked second in the opening College Football Playoff poll, but have since lost two straight SEC games and find themselves now ranked 15th in the playoff poll. LSU's top running back, Leonard Fournette, was the clear Heisman front-runner early in this season, but after a poor performance against the Crimson Tide, Alabama's Derrick Henry took over the top spot.
It's not only that the Tigers have lost two consecutive conference games, but that they lost them handily, being outscored 61-30 against Alabama and Arkansas. LSU controlled its own future going into its game against Alabama, and could have won the SEC West for the first time since 2011.
It may seem crazy to think that LSU would get rid of Miles, as he is arguably one of the best coaches in college football both on the field and in recruiting. However, The Tigers take winning very seriously. In 2009, LSU athletic director Joe Alleva wrote an open letter to LSU fans apologizing for its "disappointing" nine-win season.
The Tigers are 4-2 in SEC play right now, but have declined each season in conference wins since 2011. LSU went 8-0 in 2011, then 6-2 in 2012, to 5-3 in 2013, and finished 4-4 in 2014. Miles can help his case by winning two big games against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, but those are difficult matchups - there are no easy games in the SEC.
If Miles is fired before Jan. 1 without cause, the university will owe him $15 million, payable over eight years, according to Rabalais. Miles won a national championship at LSU in 2007, and has a record of 110-31 with the Tigers. Miles can easily turn this situation around with two wins, and could lead LSU to a major bowl game. The Tigers head coach has his team focused on Ole Miss, and he will look to turn their season around on Saturday.
