Arkansas reportedly is aiming very high in its pursuit of a new head football coach, and reportedly has made a huge offer to LSU coach Les Miles.
Our friend Sports by Brooks reported the news over Twitter on Tuesday that Arkansas has made a five-year, $27.5 million deal to Miles.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune confirmed that Miles has an offer from Arkansas. They also reported that Miles is meeting with the Arkansas athletic director.
LSU’s sports information director says Miles was shown Brooks’ report “and he didn’t have anything to say.”
Miles currently makes $3.75 million per season, not including bonuses. He has the Tigers at 10-2 this season and ranked No. 7 in the BCS standings. Miles has gone 85-20 over eight seasons as head coach of the Tigers. He has reached two BCS National Championship games and won one.
Miles could very well be talking with Arkansas to gain leverage in discussions with LSU. Smart Football believes he may be trying to leverage LSU into paying his coaching staff more money. Miles was also pursued by Michigan in 2011 but reportedly turned down offers for a pay raise on two occasions.
Arkansas has one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, so I don’t doubt that they are willing to pay Miles that kind of money. Truthfully, this sort of money would make almost any college football coach seriously consider a move.
UPDATE: Miles will receive a contract extension and raise to remain at LSU. He confirmed he spoke with Arkansas about their vacancy.
Photo credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
