Michigan Looks to Swipe Miles From LSU

Nov. 29, 2007 — -- LSU athletic director Skip Bertman confirmed Wednesday night through spokesman Herb Vincent that his Michigan counterpart, Bill Martin, has officially requested permission to speak with Les Miles about becoming the next coach of the Wolverines.

Bertman requested that the meeting not take place until after LSU plays Tennessee Saturday for the SEC championship. Martin told Bertman he will comply.

"We're trying to get the SEC championship game behind us that's why we're scheduling these things for next week," Vincent said.

Miles played for Bo Schembechler at Michigan, where he met his wife and later became an assistant under Schembechler.

LSU will have its own meeting with Miles next week to make its pitch to keep Miles. Sources say Miles will be offered a sweetened deal.

LSU was not prepared to make a statement about the extent to which the school was prepared to compete with Michigan's offer, should one be made, Vincent said.

"We're just looking forward to the game Saturday and that's the focus of the entire program right now, Saturday's game against Tennessee," Vincent said.

Although formal discussions will wait for next week, a source close to the situation said Miles' agent, George Bass, was in Baton Rouge Wednesday meeting with LSU officials. The subject of those talks is unknown.

Miles has been at the center of speculation to be the next coach of the Wolverines since Lloyd Carr stepped down Nov. 19. The Michigan alum has carefully chosen his words when asked repeatedly about his interest in returning to his alma mater, but the one thing he has not done is say he is not a candidate.

Even though Miles appears in a great situation leading the Tigers in a talent-rich area without a competing school nearby, LSU was concerned enough about him bolting for Michigan that it put a specific clause in his contract to make it an expensive move.

In the "termination by coach" section of his deal, Michigan is the only other school mentioned. It states that Miles will not seek or accept employment as Michigan's coach. If Miles does leave LSU to coach the Wolverines, he must pay LSU $1.25 million.