Les Miles, Cam Cameron fired by LSU; Ed Orgeron interim coach
Les Miles and Cam Cameron have been fired by LSU, a day after losing to Auburn 18-13 in controversial fashion to fall to 2-2 this season, the Baton Rouge Advocate’s Ross Dellenger reports.
Dellenger reported Sunday that LSU officials were meeting to conduct an extensive review of the program that is generally reserved for after the season. He said both the jobs of Miles and Cameron were in jeopardy in particular. Apparently the officials decided to make significant changes by firing both their head coach and offensive coordinator.
Dellenger says defensive line coach Ed Orgeron will become the interim head coach.
More news: #LSU D-line coach Ed Orgeron is being offered the position as interim coach for the Tigers.
Player meeting at 5 p.m.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 25, 2016
Miles’ job was under review last season, and reports had said the program planned to fire the coach following a three-game losing streak that left LSU 7-3. But the Tigers rallied with a huge win over Texas A&M, and LSU’s president decided not to fire Miles. The team then won its bowl game to finish 9-3.
But after a 2-2 start this season — LSU’s worst ever start under Miles — officials decided it was time for a change. The offense’s relatively poor performance throughout the season likely led to the dissatisfaction with Cameron. LSU was held to 14 points by Wisconsin, 13 by Auburn, and only scored 23 against Mississippi State.
Coaches are held to the highest standard in Baton Rouge, where LSU is expected to compete for national championships. There will likely be no shortage of teams interested in hiring Miles.
Making Orgeron the interim head coach also makes plenty of sense. Not only does he have experience as a head coach in the SEC during his time at Ole Miss, but he also was a successful interim head coach at a major program in 2013 when he led USC to a 6-2 record after Lane Kiffin was fired.