Why was Les Miles fired? Exploring potential reasons behind LSU HC's dismissal

Former LSU Tigers coach Les Miles has been one of the top coaches in the history of the school's football program but is currently suing the school for vacating 37 of his victories due to an NCAA Level I violation. As a result, Miles is not eligible to be in the College Football Hall of Fame as he did not reach the .600 winning percentage required with the vacated victories.

But what happened to get Miles out of the program in 2016 after a 2-2 start? Let's discuss some of the potential reasons for his dismissal.

Why was Les Miles fired?

Inappropriate behavior

In 2021, it was discovered that then-LSU athletic director Joe Alleva recommended firing Les Miles back in 2013 after accusations of inappropriate behavior with female student workers. Below is the email that Alleva sent to both LSU's legal counsel and F. King Alexander, the school's incoming president:

"I believe he is guilty of insubordination, inappropriate behavior, putting the university, athletic dept and football program at great risk. I think we have cause. I specifically told him not to text, call or be alone with any student workers and he obviously didn't listen. I know there are many possible outcomes and much risk either way, but I believe it is in the best interest in the long run to make a break." h/t ESPN

The inappropriate situations and the power dynamics are certainly reasons for termination. He remained with the school until 2016, but the decisions certainly may have played a factor in his eventual firing.

End of the leash

When having a superstar coach who is putting the program in an outstanding position, they get a pretty sizable leash. However, it appears that Les Miles reached the end of that leash in 2013. Once he began to stop proving that he could do well, the university decided to go in a different direction.

After beginning the 2016 season 2-2, the school fired him, showing they were ready to get a different voice in the room. Getting rid of Les Miles had to be a difficult choice on the field but by the reports, it was a bit less difficult for the off-the-field situations.