Miles says Tigers ‘prepared to reload’ on National Signing Day

In a nine-minute interview conducted with ESPN in New Orleans, LSU coach Les Miles provides some insight on the process of recruiting, his thoughts on the influence college offenses have had on the NFL, and more. With National Signing Day now less than one week away, Miles says he feels good about keeping the recruits who have already orally committed to LSU, while acknowledging “there’s always a perimeter institution trying to pick away, so we have to make sure we finish.” As for dealing with the high number of Tigers from last season who’ve opted for the NFL Draft and will not be returning to LSU this year, Miles says his staff is always prepared to make the necessary adjustments. “It’s fundamental at our place that we play our players early,” Miles says, naming former Tigers and current NFL players Patrick Peterson and Morris Claiborne as recent examples. “When you lose 11 juniors—and, you know, each decision is theirs, it’s certainly not the head coach’s—you certainly have to be prepared to reload and get another very quality man ready to play.” As the interview concluded, ESPN asked Miles if he ever wonders if he could be a successful coach in the NFL. Miles speculates that every coach wonders about that from time to time, but says he doesn’t anticipate trying out his luck outside of LSU anytime soon. “How fortunate I’ve been at a place for eight years; and just signed a seven-year contract [extension],” Miles says. “So, that kind of stability, and it being LSU—no, I don’t think there’s any question. I like being where I’m at.” You can listen to the complete interview here.